When a couple is expecting a baby, there are so many decisions to make. What kind of car seat should we get? Should my wife quit her job and stay home with the kids? Do we bottle feed or should my wife nurse? When a couple is expecting a little baby boy, there's another decision they'll need to make and that's whether or not to circumcise.

The practice of circumcision has been a routine procedure for thousands of years. It is a Judeo-Christian tradition. Then in 1971, the American Academy of Pediatrics decided that there was "no absolute medical indication for routine circumcision." Then, in 1989, with new data the Academy changed its position to that there were "medical benefits, as well as risk" and then later also added that there wasn't sufficient cause to routinely circumcise.

Here are some benefits and risks that the renowned Mayo Clinic recommends you consider before making the decision of whether or not to circumcise.

Benefits

1. More hygienic.

2. Decrease in the risk of a sexually transmitted disease. It is essential to have safe sexual practices, however, circumcised men have a slightly lower risk of contracting certain sexually transmitted diseases.

3. Decrease in penile cancer. The risk is low regardless but less common in circumcised men.

4. Decrease in urinary tract infections. This risk is low for the first year, however, the infection risks increase up to 10 times as being more likely to contract the infection later on. Infections severe enough may lead to kidney disorders later in life.

5. Prevention of penile problems. Sometimes, the foreskin narrows to the point that it is occasionally difficult if not impossible to retract. It can lead to inflammation.

Risks

1. Every surgery involves risk. There can be excessive bleeding and/or infection. The foreskin may also be cut too short or too long and may not heal properly. It is also possible that the remaining foreskin as it heals attaches to the end of the penis. Additional surgery will then be needed to correct the improper healing.

2. Pain Circumcision is painful. A local anesthetic is applied but will wear off and the newborn may experience pain.

3. Cost. Your insurance company may not cover this procedure.

4. Permanence. After removing the foreskin, it's difficult to reattach and have it resemble the appearance of an uncircumcised penis.

This topic has been hotly debated between parents and advocates of a more natural and holistic child birthing experience. And, after the press release from the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1999 stating that "Circumcision is not essential to a (boy's) well-being at birth" many insurance companies are now denying coverage of this once routinely covered procedure. It's important that parents carefully consider all of their options before making this decision for your infant boy.