Preparing myself for another circumcision experience

"For the types of H.P.V. that cause genital cancer, the results were even more striking. About 18 percent of circumcised men were infected at the end of two years, compared with almost 28 percent in the control group. Even after adjustment for types of sexual practices, symptoms of sexually transmitted infections and other variables, the circumcised men had a 35 percent reduced risk of infection.

...but the authors suggest that the retraction of the foreskin during intercourse exposes the penis to infection, and that the moist area under the foreskin may then provide a protected environment in which the viruses can flourish..."

The above paragraph is an excerpt from The New York Times' article on circumcision. In the Philippines, summer break is a time for young boys to undergo circumcision. It's a rite of passage that almost every boy has to go through. "Almost" because there are a few who don't subscribe to this procedure by virtue of religious beliefs or simply a matter of personal preference.

The minor procedure is usually performed by a general surgeon or a pediatrician, in my sons' case. Before I proceed with the doctor's appointment and queries on the cost of procedure, I ask my son if he is ready for it. As a parent, it is important to prepare the kid emotionally. I don't try to embellish the whole circumcision experience and tell him squarely that it will hurt indeed but only for a few seconds. In addition, I explained that the doctor will numb the area to mitigate the pain.

My youngest have seen how circumcision was like with his older brother last summer. He teased him endlessly because the latter was unable to play nor go out for two weeks. Now, it's his turn. I remembered how he joked about the whole circumcision issue. He said (tongue-in-cheek) that he'll do it when he reaches college. I hope he was not serious about it because if he was, the procedure might cost me more than what is normally charged by the physicians.

I concur to the article's findings on the health benefits of circumcision. My only regret is that I should have done this when the kids were still babies. As a mom, the whole experience is enervating. And I'm scheduled to go through this again in a a month's time.