What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the skin covering the tip of the penis. The procedure is typically done on a newborn for personal or religious reasons. Circumcision in older children and adults may also be done for the same reasons. Additionally, older children or adults may need circumcision to treat several conditions, including:

• Balanitis (swelling of the foreskin)
• Balanoposthitis (inflammation of the tip and foreskin of the penis)
• Paraphimosis (inability to return a retracted foreskin to its original position)
• Phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin)

In healthy newborns, there is no medical need for circumcision. However, families may choose to have their sons circumcised for a number of reasons.

One of the most common reasons is religious tradition. The religious laws of both Judaism and Islam require that newborn boys be circumcised. Other reasons to circumcise include:

• Personal choice
• Aesthetic preference
• Resulting lowered risk of some conditions