The issue of circumcision has become very "hot" over the last few years. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued a statement regarding this procedure which neither recommended nor disagreed with it. Its only recommendation was the use of an appropriate analgesic (numbing) during the procedure. The AAP recommendation, however, may have only minimal impact on how and if the procedure is done, since in most states, obstetricians are the physicians who perform circumcisions. For soon to be parents, there are a few facts that you need to consider before deciding whether or not to choose the procedure for your baby boy.

Increasing public awareness of this issue may raise some questions, and some parents may opt not to circumcise their sons since there is less evidence that circumcision provides any benefits. Parents may also prefer to leave this decision up to their growing boys, since removal of the foreskin is essentially irreversible and may be treated as a purely cosmetic procedure.

There is quite a growing movement against circumcision, which potentially may have a negative impact on the popularity of this procedure. Surprisingly, there are already places in the United States where circumcised boys constitute a minority.

For additional healthy kids tips, log onto baymed.org, scroll over "Health Checks & You" and join our "E-List." For more information about childhood diseases or development, contact Inez Balinska, MD or Darek Balinski, MD, Bay Regional Pediatrics, Medical Mall, 1456 W. Center Road, Essexville. (989) 895-4840.