Introduction
Circumcision is surgery to remove the foreskin. The foreskin covers the tip of the penis. This is one of the oldest and most common surgeries in the world.
People have different views about circumcision. These views often come from culture, religion, or health beliefs. This guide gives you clear, factual information to help you understand it better.
Maybe you’re a parent deciding for your son. Or maybe you just want to learn more. We’ll cover what you need to know.
What Is Circumcision?
Circumcision takes off the foreskin. The foreskin is the skin covering the head (glans) of the penis.
Dr. Sarah Chen is a children’s urology doctor. She explains, “It’s surgery to remove the foreskin. This leaves the head of the penis uncovered all the time.”
The surgery is different for babies compared to older boys or men:
For newborns:
- It takes only 5-10 minutes.
- Doctors use tools like the Gomco clamp, Plastibell, or Mogen clamp.
- Each tool safely cuts away the foreskin.
For teens and adults:
- The surgery takes 30-60 minutes.
- Doctors use numbing medicine (local) or medicine to make you sleep (general).
- You will need stitches to close the skin.
History and Culture
Circumcision started a very long time ago, maybe 6,000 years or more. It probably began in East Africa. Then it spread to many cultures around the world.
“This is one of the oldest planned surgeries,” says Dr. James Thompson, who studies medical history. “Old Egyptian items show this was important long before today’s medicine.”
Religious and Cultural Reasons
Circumcision is very important in some major religions:
- Judaism: It’s done on the eighth day after birth (“brit milah”). It shows the promise between God and Abraham.
- Islam: It’s not required by the Qur’an. But many Muslims follow the example of Prophet Muhammad.
- Some Native Cultures: It often marks a boy becoming a man.
- Christianity: There’s no set rule. Views differ among Christians.
Rabbi David Goldstein explains, “In Judaism, circumcision is more than just physical. It connects us to thousands of years of tradition and faith.”
Medical Views on Circumcision
Doctors’ opinions on doing circumcision routinely have changed over time. Views also vary between countries and medical groups.
Possible Health Benefits
The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) list some possible benefits:
- Fewer Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Circumcised babies get about 10 times fewer UTIs.
- Lower Risk of Penile Cancer: This cancer is rare. It mostly affects uncircumcised men.
- Less Risk of Some STIs: Studies show it might cut HIV risk by 50-60% for straight men.
- Stops Foreskin Problems: It prevents issues like a tight foreskin (phimosis) or swelling (balanitis).
- Easier Hygiene: It might be easier to keep clean. But washing properly works well for uncircumcised males too.
Dr. Michael Peterson, a urologist, notes: “The benefits are real but small in places with good healthcare. You need to weigh these benefits against risks and your own beliefs.”
Possible Risks
Like any surgery, circumcision has some risks:
- Pain: The surgery hurts. But doctors now have better ways to control pain.
- Bleeding and Infection: These can happen but are not common.
- Healing Problems: Sometimes the skin doesn’t heal right.
- Meatitis: The opening of the penis can get swollen or sore.
- Rare Serious Problems: Damage to the penis happens in less than 1 out of 100 cases.
“Serious problems are rare when skilled doctors do the surgery safely,” says Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a children’s surgeon. “Parents should understand both the good and bad points before deciding.”
What Medical Groups Say
Medical groups around the world don’t all agree:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Says benefits are greater than risks. But they don’t recommend it for all babies.
- Canadian Paediatric Society: Does not recommend routine circumcision.
- Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Australia/New Zealand): Says routine circumcision is not needed for health.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Suggests voluntary circumcision to help prevent HIV in areas where risk is high.
These different views show that the medical side of circumcision is complex.
What Happens During Circumcision
Knowing what happens can make people feel less worried.
Newborn Circumcision
Here’s what happens for babies:
- The baby lies safely on a special board.
- Pain relief is given (numbing cream, shot, or sugar water).
- The doctor cleans the penis.
- The doctor gently separates the foreskin from the head.
- A special tool removes the foreskin.
- The doctor puts petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment on it.
Healing takes about 7-10 days. Keep the area clean during this time.
Adult Circumcision
The process takes longer for teens and adults:
- You get medicine so you don’t feel pain.
- The doctor cleans the penis.
- The doctor surgically removes the foreskin.
- Stitches close the cut.
- A bandage is put on.
Recovery takes 2-3 weeks. You should not have sex for 4-6 weeks.
“Adults usually feel more discomfort during recovery than babies,” says Dr. William Chen, a urologist. “But with good pain control and care, most men heal fine.”
Ethical Questions
Few medical topics cause as much debate as baby circumcision. People feel strongly on both sides.
Parents’ Rights vs. Child’s Choice
A key question is: Should parents make this permanent choice for a baby? Or should the person choose for himself later?
Dr. Margaret Wilson, who studies medical ethics, explains: “We need to balance parents’ rights to decide on health with the child’s future right to choose. Religious freedom and different views on circumcision make this harder.”
Informed Consent
Some people say babies can’t agree to a surgery that permanently changes their body. Others say parents often make medical choices they believe are best for their child.
Pain Control
Long ago, doctors did circumcisions without pain relief. They wrongly thought babies didn’t feel pain. We now know babies feel pain. Pain control is now standard.
“Studies clearly show newborns feel pain,” says Dr. Rebecca Johnson, a newborn specialist. “Good pain control is vital. We have good ways to reduce pain now.”
Culture vs. Medical Ethics
For many groups, circumcision is tied to culture and religion. Doctors must respect these traditions but also give advice based on medical facts.
Making the Decision: What to Think About
Several things can help you decide:
For Parents Thinking About Newborn Circumcision:
- Family or Religious Traditions: Your culture or faith might guide your choice.
- Medical Reasons: Does your family have health problems that circumcision might prevent?
- Personal Beliefs: How do you feel about body choice and preventing health issues?
- Father’s Status: Some parents want their son to look like his father.
For Adult Men Thinking About Circumcision:
- Medical Need: Do you have problems like a tight foreskin or repeat infections?
- Personal Choice: Do you prefer the look or think it’s cleaner?
- Religious Change: Are you joining a faith where circumcision is common?
- HIV Prevention: This is a bigger factor in some parts of the world.
Practical Care Tips
Good hygiene is important for everyone, circumcised or not.
Care After Circumcision
For babies:
- Clean the area gently with warm water.
- Put petroleum jelly on it so it doesn’t stick to the diaper.
- Watch for infection signs (more redness, swelling, pus).
- It should heal fully in 7-10 days.
For adults:
- Follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
- Take pain medicine if needed.
- Avoid heavy activity for about 2 weeks.
- Don’t have sex for 4-6 weeks.
Hygiene for Uncircumcised Males
Good care includes:
- Wash regularly with warm water (soap is optional).
- Gently pull back the foreskin only after it separates naturally.
- Dry well before putting the foreskin back.
- Never force the foreskin back in young boys.
“Teaching good hygiene to uncircumcised boys is simple,” says Dr. Lisa Martinez, a pediatrician. “Parents should know the foreskin usually separates on its own. This often happens by age 5, but sometimes later. Never force it.”
Global Trends
Circumcision rates are very different around the world. This shows cultural differences and changing medical views.
In the U.S., fewer newborns are circumcised now than in the past. The rate dropped from about 65% in the 1960s to about 58% in 2010 (CDC data). Rates are higher in the Midwest and lower on the West Coast.
Worldwide, rates vary a lot. They are very high (over 90%) in many Middle Eastern and North African countries. They are very low (less than 10%) in most of Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
“We see more focus now on making an informed choice,” says Dr. Robert Thompson, a public health expert. “Medical groups are giving balanced information. They respect personal and cultural choices more.”
Research is still looking into benefits, risks, better surgery methods, and better pain control.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is circumcision usually done?
Most are done in the first week of life. Some happen later for religious reasons (like the eighth day in Judaism). It can be done at any age for medical reasons. Recovery is usually easier for babies than adults.
Does circumcision affect sexual pleasure?
Studies show different results. Some find no big difference in sexual satisfaction. Others suggest sensitivity might change. Dr. Jane Roberts, a sexual health expert, says: “The foreskin has nerves, but the head of the penis is also very sensitive. Overall satisfaction depends on many things, not just circumcision.”
Does insurance cover circumcision?
It varies a lot. In the U.S., many private plans cover newborn circumcision, but fewer do now in some areas. Medicaid coverage depends on the state. Insurance is more likely to cover it if it’s done for a clear medical reason.
How do I find a qualified doctor?
For newborns, pediatricians, OB/GYNs, or family doctors often do it. For religious reasons, trained people like mohels (Judaism) may do it. Urologists usually do the surgery for older children and adults. Always check a doctor’s training and experience.
Can circumcision be reversed?
You can’t completely reverse it. But there are ways to restore the foreskin. These include stretching the skin slowly without surgery, or surgery to add skin. Results vary a lot. These methods can’t bring back the original nerves or tissue.
Conclusion
Circumcision touches on medicine, culture, religion, and personal choice. It’s a personal decision. It depends on family traditions, faith, personal values, and health factors.
Research continues. Most medical groups agree there are some health benefits. But they usually say these benefits aren’t big enough to recommend it for every boy.
At the same time, the risks are usually small. So, they don’t advise against it for families who feel it’s important for culture or religion.
If you are facing this decision, talk to doctors. Talk to religious leaders if that applies to you. Think about your own values. This will help you make the right choice for you or your family.