[Oldmama]

I noticed a post about this topic on another part of the forum and thought it would be appropriate here. I understand that little boys are not circumcised in Russia. We have not made a decision about that yet....but wonder what others have done who have adopted?

[sak9645]

It's purely a matter of personal preference.

You'll find that some people circumcise for religious reasons. Some people circumcise for medical reasons specific to the child.

In general, if there is no medical or religious reason, doctors are no longer encouraging circumcision. However, many parents still circumcise their sons so that the boys will "look like Daddy" or not appear too different from other boys in the locker room.

There is some evidence that in a population of males who engage in high risk sexual behaviors, particularly sex with prostitutes, circumcision may reduce the likelihood that a man will get HIV. However, that finding is based on very specific studies done in Africa, and may or may not apply in the U.S.

Sharon

[Oldmama]

Yea, my husband is a physician and he says that the rate of circ's is about 50/50 for newborns at this time. I would love insight from anyone who has done it/not done it and how it worked out for you. If we were dealing with a newborn, then the decision might be a little easier. At this point we are dealing with general anesthesia.

[Max'smom]

We adopted an uncircumcised infant boy (albeit not from Russia). We have had no issues. I have heard of people who have had the circumcision done after their child arrives here - it is not always covered by insurance, as many company plans consider it an elective procedure.

[k8c]

From an irl friend of mine:

We adopted two boys (and a girl) from Russia at different times. We had both of our boys circumcised when we brought them home. Aside from a bit of soreness right after the procedure was done, there were absolutely no issues whatsoever. Our boys were 22 and 36 months when they were circumcised.

[Abdulina]

I've had 5 boys come home thus far. None have been circumsized. Checked out by doc and all has been fine. Elected NOT to do the surgery. Our boys were ages 3, 4, 4, 6, & 11 at time of adoption. No issues and no issues w/ others at high school if you know what I mean. Locker rooms. Hey, you have to think ahead folks. It's really a matter of personal choice if there are no medical issues w/ it. No right or wrong here for sure. Best wishes.

[Kasey]

For our first son, we went back and forth on the decision and frankly I left it up to my husband )
But it was taken out of our hands as he had adhesions from frequest infections and they think one of the caretakers may have pulled his foreskin back too far while cleaning him, so he had issues. We had it done while he was under anesth getting ear tubes put in. He was 11 months old at the time and did fine. The first two diaper changes he cried and then nothing after that.
For our second son, he came home at 13 months of age and my husband felt strongly since the other two "men" in the house were circumcised so should our youngest. We waited a bit to see if he would have any other issues warranting surgery so we could limit the anesth exposure. He also recovered well, no issues at all.
Both times it was covered by insurance.

[GCS]

We originally thought we would but once we were home with a boy slightly older than we anticipated, (3 years 3 months) we found we couldnt put him through it. We're home 7 years now and it has never been a problem. We've had a few pediatricans in that time and none recommended we get it done. All firmly believed it was not medically necessary.

[ippichic]

My bio son was not circumcised since my husband is from a country where that is not done. He is now 4.5 years old and he has never had problems. We were, in fact, relieved to find out that they don't typically circumcise boys in Russia, since it would be awkward to have one that is and one that is not. I would check with your pediatrician for his/her advice on the current state of matters when he can examine the boy in person, but it is becoming more common in the US, due to increased population from other cultures, not to circumcise, and as long as you are clear on how to and NOT to treat it, you should have few issues.

[leeinmemphis]

when we adopted them... we did not have them circumcised. No religious reason or anything but at that point it seemed kind of, well, pointless....

[tbristow]

We brought DS home at 16 months and had the circumcision done at 17 months. He had no issues other than a little soreness that first day. If you are considering it though, check with your insurance to make sure it is covered.