circumcise

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. The procedure is typically performed on newborns or boys and can be done later in adolescence or adulthood for cultural, religious, medical, or personal reasons.

Indications vary by region and tradition. It is commonly undertaken for religious or cultural reasons in Judaism and Islam, and it is also performed for medical reasons such as phimosis, recurrent balanitis, or other foreskin-related issues. In some countries it is routine neonatal care; in others it is less common and often elective.

Procedures typically involve removing the foreskin with a surgical instrument or device and may be done under local or general anesthesia. Common methods include the Gomco clamp, the Mogen clamp, and the Plastibell device, each with different techniques and healing profiles. Aftercare usually involves keeping the area clean and monitoring for bleeding or infection.

Potential benefits cited in medical literature include a reduced risk of urinary tract infections in infancy and a lower risk of certain penile infections and some sexually transmitted infections in some populations. However, benefits are debated, and circumcision carries risks such as bleeding, infection, injury to the glans or urethra, and pain. Informed consent and cultural context are important considerations, especially for newborns who cannot consent themselves.

Historical origins of circumcision are ancient, with evidence of practice in several regions. The procedure has become part of religious and cultural identity in some communities and has been promoted or discouraged by different medical and public health policies over time.