What is it?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin—the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. It is one of the oldest known surgical operations, performed for cultural, religious, medical, and personal reasons.
Why is it done?
- Cultural or religious tradition (e.g. Jewish, Islamic, and some other communities)
- Medical indications, such as:
- Phimosis (tight foreskin that cannot be retracted)
- Recurrent infections (balanitis or urinary tract infections)
- Paraphimosis (foreskin stuck behind the head of the penis)
- Contributing factor to urinary or sexual difficulties in some men
- Personal choice, including hygiene or preventive health considerations
Potential Benefits:
- Easier genital hygiene
- Lower risk of urinary tract infections in early childhood
- Reduced risk of penile cancer (rare overall)
- Lower risk of some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and HPV
- Prevention or treatment of foreskin-related problems
Risks & Considerations:
- Pain, swelling, or bleeding (usually temporary)
- Infection at the surgical site
- Rare complications such as excessive skin removal or scarring
- As with any surgery, risks are minimized when performed by experienced clinicians under sterile conditions
The Procedure:
- Usually a quick day-surgery procedure
- Can be performed under local or general anaesthetic (depending on age and circumstance)
- Healing generally takes 1–2 weeks, with advice given on wound care and activity restrictions
Why seek advice?
Circumcision is a safe and common procedure when medically indicated or personally desired.
Discussing options with a qualified healthcare provider helps ensure the decision is appropriate, safe, and tailored to individual needs.