what is circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis, known as the foreskin. It is a fairly common procedure for newborn boys in certain parts of the world, including the United States, and is also performed for religious, cultural, personal hygiene, or preventive health care reasons. The foreskin is surgically removed, exposing the end of the penis. Circumcision can also be done for medical reasons, such as when the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the glans, or to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections. The procedure is usually done within the first 10 days of a baby's life and is a routine, safe procedure with some rare risks, including bleeding, infection, and penile adhesion. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend routine circumcision, but suggests that parents should have the option to circumcise their sons if they want to, after discussing the benefits and risks with their baby's health care provider