Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the skin covering the tip of the
penis. It’s common in the United States and parts of Africa and the Middle East but less common in
Europe and some countries.
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
- desire of some fathers to have their sons look like them
How a circumcision is performed
Circumcisions are often done by a pediatrician, obstetrician, family medicine doctor, surgeon, or
urologist. Circumcisions that are performed for religious reasons are sometimes done by others
trained in the procedure.
During the newborn circumcision, your son will lay on his back with his arms and legs secured. An
anesthetic is given via injection or cream to numb the penis.
There are several techniques for performing circumcision. The choice of which technique is used
depends on the physician’s preference and experience.
The three major methods of circumcision are the Gomco clamp, the Plastibell device, and the Mogen
clamp. Each one works by cutting off circulation to the foreskin to prevent bleeding when the doctor
cuts the foreskin. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes.