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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of penis before and after circumcision Penis before and after circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. Circumcision is fairly common for newborn boys in certain parts of the world, including the United States. Circumcision after the newborn period is possible, but it's a more complex procedure.

For some families, circumcision is a religious ritual. Circumcision can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. For others, however, circumcision seems unnecessary or disfiguring. After circumcision, it isn't generally possible to re-create the appearance of an uncircumcised penis.

Why it's done
References
  1. Weismiller DG. Procedures for neonatal circumcision. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 9, 2011.
  2. Baskin LS. Circumcision: Risks and benefits. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 9, 2011.
  3. Yiee JH, et al. Complications of circumcision. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 9, 2011.
  4. McInerny T, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:828.
  5. Provencio-Vasquez E. Circumcision revisited. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing. 2009;14:295.
  6. Brown-Trask B, et al. Circumcision care. RN. 2009;72:22.
  7. Circumcision policy statement. American Academy of Pediatrics Policy. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org. Accessed Aug. 27, 2012.
  8. Kigozi G, et al. The effect of male circumcision on sexual satisfaction and function, results from a randomized trial of male circumcision for human immunodeficiency virus prevention, Rakai, Uganda. BJU International. 2008;101:65.
  9. Task Force on Circumcision. Male circumcision. Pediatrics. In press. Accessed Aug. 27, 2012.
MY01023 Sept. 5, 2012

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