When my little one was just a newborn, we took him to his first well-baby checkup. After the doctor assessed his vital signs, he began examining my son, starting from his head and moving downward. When he reached my son’s uncircumcised penis, he retracted the foreskin, peered inside, and then put it back in place.
To him, it seemed like a routine part of the exam. But to me, it was a shocking violation. I exchanged a wide-eyed glance with my partner, stifled a gasp, and stood there, utterly dumbfounded.
Let me clarify: I’m not one of those parents who believe circumcision is mutilation. We did our homework, spoke to other parents, and ultimately decided against it for our family. I believe in the philosophy of “you do what works for you.” But what happened in that office was not about personal choice.
When that doctor yanked back my son’s delicate foreskin, there was an instinctual urge deep within me to scream, “STOP! This isn’t right! Why is this happening to my precious baby?” Yet, like many new parents, I kept quiet, a decision I still regret. I later switched to another doctor in the practice to avoid that uncomfortable situation again.
Afterward, I did more research and discovered that I was right to be concerned. Retracting the foreskin of an uncircumcised child is unnecessary and can even be dangerous. Leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), firmly state that the foreskin should not be retracted. According to them, the foreskin will naturally separate on its own over time, and forcing it back can lead to significant harm.
In the AAP’s article, “Care for an Uncircumcised Penis,” they explain that foreskin retraction can happen naturally during the first few years of life, and boys may eventually do it themselves as they become more aware of their bodies. However, no one—be it a parent or a doctor—should attempt to retract it before it is ready. The AAP warns against forced retraction, stating that it can cause severe pain, bleeding, and even skin tears.
Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatrician and author, emphasizes that premature retraction can lead to swelling and infections in young boys. In a 2013 piece for a parenting publication, she highlighted the concept of premature foreskin retraction (PFFR) and noted that such injuries could even require emergency medical attention.
Dr. Carter points out that despite the declining rates of circumcision in the U.S.—with about 1 million newborn boys remaining intact each year—many healthcare professionals still lack awareness about leaving the foreskin alone. She explains that for thousands of years, parents have allowed their child’s foreskin to develop naturally, a practice that continues in many cultures today.
As Dr. Carter mentions, the penis is self-cleaning, and there is no medically sound reason to retract the foreskin. In fact, the foreskin serves a protective purpose. “The foreskin is attached to the underlying tissue by a natural membrane, much like the female hymen,” she writes. “This membrane is protective and should be treated as such.”
Thankfully, my son wasn’t injured when that doctor pulled back his foreskin, but many children aren’t so lucky. It’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with this outdated practice. The more I learn about the dangers of premature retraction, the more frustrated I become. What if my child had been harmed? It felt like a breach of trust for the doctor to do this without my consent.
To any new parents of uncircumcised boys out there: Make it clear to your doctor before the examination that you don’t want your baby’s foreskin retracted. Don’t hesitate—advocate for your child. You can even print the AAP’s guidelines and bring them to your appointment.
If a doctor proceeds without your permission, don’t stay silent like I did. We must express our concerns, no matter how daunting it may feel. After all, we are our child’s primary advocates.
This is not meant to criticize doctors, many of whom are invaluable and dedicated professionals. However, it’s essential to recognize that they don’t always have all the answers. It’s our responsibility to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
All medical professionals need to understand that retracting a baby’s foreskin is not only an outdated practice but also a potentially harmful one. Knowledge is power, and it’s time to educate ourselves and others about this crucial issue.
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In summary, it’s essential for parents and healthcare providers to understand the risks associated with retracting the foreskin of uncircumcised boys. The practice is unnecessary, potentially harmful, and should be avoided. Always stand up for your child’s health and well-being.