When my son was just a newborn, we attended his first pediatric check-up. After measuring his vitals, the doctor began examining his little body, starting from his head and working down to his feet. When he reached my son’s penis, which was not circumcised, he casually retracted the foreskin, took a quick look inside, and then slid it back.
To him, it seemed like a routine procedure, but to me, it was a shocking breach of trust. I shot my husband a glance that said, “What just happened?” and stood frozen in disbelief. I was horrified by the doctor’s actions.
I want to clarify that I wasn’t one of those parents who viewed circumcision as mutilation. We had done some research and talked to other parents who chose not to circumcise, ultimately deciding that leaving our child intact was best for us. I believe everyone should make their own choices regarding this matter.
However, this situation was not about personal beliefs. When the doctor forcibly retracted my son’s foreskin—a delicate part of his tiny body—I felt a primal urge to shout, “Stop! Is that really necessary for my precious baby?” But, like many new parents, I held back my concerns. In hindsight, that’s a decision I regret deeply. I switched to another doctor in the practice to avoid experiencing that again.
Further research revealed that my instincts were spot on. Forcing the foreskin back on an uncircumcised boy’s penis is not only unnecessary but can also be harmful. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) firmly advises against this practice. The AAP states that the foreskin naturally retracts on its own over time, and premature retraction can lead to significant harm.
In their article “Care for an Uncircumcised Penis,” the AAP explains that while the foreskin will eventually retract, this process varies from child to child. As boys become more aware of their bodies—which we know happens fairly early—some may retract it themselves. However, under no circumstances should parents or doctors attempt to do this forcibly.
The AAP clearly states, “[F]oreskin retraction should never be forced. Until the foreskin fully separates, do not try to pull it back.” Forcing retraction can cause severe pain, bleeding, and skin tears. That’s a terrifying thought for any parent.
Dr. Emily Sanders, a pediatrician and author, emphasizes that early retraction can lead to swelling and infections. In a 2013 article, she warned about the dangers of what she termed premature foreskin retraction (PFFR), which could even necessitate an emergency room visit.
Despite a decline in circumcision rates in the U.S.—with about 1 million newborn boys remaining intact each year—many healthcare professionals still seem unaware of the importance of leaving the foreskin alone. As Dr. Sanders points out, this knowledge has been lost over generations, even though parents have historically allowed their children’s foreskin to develop naturally, much like practices in Europe.
The foreskin serves a protective function; it is designed to safeguard the penis. Dr. Sanders explains that no special cleaning or retraction is necessary because the foreskin is attached to the underlying penile tissue in a way that is similar to the female hymen.
I’m relieved that my son wasn’t harmed during his examination. However, this isn’t the case for every child, and it’s crucial for parents to be aware of the risks associated with premature retraction. The more I learn about these dangers, the more I feel a sense of anger about what transpired. What if my child had been injured due to this outdated practice? It felt like a violation that the doctor didn’t ask for my consent before retracting my son’s foreskin.
My advice to all parents of uncircumcised boys: Communicate clearly with your doctor before the examination that you do not want your baby’s foreskin retracted. Make your wishes known. You can even print out the AAP’s guidelines to take with you, as they represent the medical community’s own standards. If a doctor disregards your wishes, don’t hesitate to speak up. We must advocate for our children’s health and well-being, no matter how intimidating that may feel.
This isn’t meant to criticize doctors; we recognize their contributions to our health and safety. However, it’s vital to remember that not all medical professionals are up-to-date on every practice, and we have the right to voice our concerns.
It’s essential for both doctors and parents to understand that retracting a baby’s foreskin is not only outdated but can also pose real risks. Awareness is key, and it’s time to take action. For more on this topic, check out this resource, which provides further insights into foreskin care, or explore other topics related to family planning and home insemination, such as using an intracervical insemination kit.
In summary, educating ourselves on the implications of foreskin retraction is crucial for the well-being of our children. Parents should advocate for their child’s safety by ensuring their medical practitioners are informed and respectful of their preferences.