blessedatlast - so compare your husband's operation (although Ive never heard of it being done without GA in adults so there you go - brave man!) to how they did my boys............a local anaesthetic needle to numb the entire groin, the foreskin pulled back and the plasticbell device inserted, the foreskin is cut so that only a small ring is left over the plastibell, a peice of string ties it all off then gauze is wrapped around it. The groin is still numb for atleast 2hrs afterward. After a small bout of crying during the procedure not a tear to be seen afterward, not even any panadol given (because he didnt seem to need it). No stitches, no worries about erections causing issues, no icepacks. The plastibell slipped off a few days later just like the umbilical cord did. Right as rain, penis works like normal.

As far as Im aware my 2.5yo has no idea he was even circumcised and no idea of the 'trauma' he went through to have it done. I dont think Ive ever met anyone who had it done as a small baby who remembers getting it done. The reason why they encourage it to be done before 4mths old (those Drs Ive encountered who do it anyhow) is because a) they dont need to use GA which can be unsafe for small children and babies unless its absolutely neccesary b) babies heal rather quickly so it eliminates the need for stitches and there is little to no blood involved c) they dont really remember it because they are so young (Ive had more tears out of my boys from falls/brother inflicted injuries than their circumcisions), I know I cant remember anything before the age of 4 (and I was belted over the head with a golf club at 2yo which split my skull apart lengthways - I dont even remember it happening nor do I remember the immense pain I must have been in!)

I must admit Im a bit wary of the 'cosmetic reasons' issue because I would like to think parents would be fully informed of the risks and benefits, and the ins & outs of how its done, before making the choice to circumcise - buts thats assuming they arent informed. If they are then more power to them its their choice. Same as its your choice NOT to circumcise.