Circumcision

Topic Overview

What is circumcision?

Male circumcision is an elective surgery to remove the foreskin (prepuce), a fold of skin that covers and protects the rounded tip of the penis (glans). This surgery is most commonly done on newborns about 24 hours old. See a picture of the penis before and after circumcision .

If a baby is born early (premature) or has certain medical conditions, he may be circumcised when he is somewhat older. Circumcision may also be done in older boys and men to treat problems with the foreskin of the penis (such as phimosis or paraphimosis) or for inflammation of the tip of the penis (balanitis).

This topic focuses on the circumcision of newborns.

In the last 30 years, an average of about 61 out of 100 male babies born in hospitals in the United States were circumcised.¹ This rate varies depending on where you live. In some parts of the U.S., about half of all males are circumcised, while other parts of the country have higher circumcision rates.

Who performs circumcisions?

Circumcisions usually are done by a pediatrician, obstetrician, family medicine doctor, surgeon, or urologist. But ritual circumcision may be done by others trained in the procedure, such as mohels of the Jewish faith.

Should I have my son circumcised?

Circumcision is not medically necessary. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend circumcision as a routine procedure for newborn males. When making this policy, the AAP considered the possible health benefits of circumcision, such as a lower risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the first year of life. The AAP also considered the risks and costs of the procedure.²

When you make this decision, it may help you to think about your personal and cultural preferences. For example, you may want to consider your family and religious traditions while you weigh the benefits and risks of the surgery. It is your decision whether to have your son circumcised.

What problems can develop if my son is circumcised?

Problems from circumcision are rare. If they occur, they are usually minor. The most common circumcision problems are pain, bleeding, infection of the circumcision site and at the opening of the urethra, and irritation of the exposed tip of the penis. Long-term problems are even more rare but can include damage to the opening of the urethra, excessive bleeding that requires stitches, severe infection, or scarring and other problems from surgical error.

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