Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin. The foreskin is a flap of skin that covers the head of the penis (glans) and can usually be pulled back over it.
Sometimes, circumcision has to be carried out for medical reasons. This may be because the foreskin is damaged or infected and will not slide back over the head of the penis. Only around one in every hundred men need a circumcision for medical reasons but, in the UK, the number of circumcisions carried out is roughly six times higher than this.
Circumcision is often carried out for religious reasons. For example, in religions such as Judaism and Islam, it is an important ritual. Some cultures practice circumcision for hygiene reasons, and see the foreskin as unnecessary, or as causing health problems.
Many people have strong views about whether circumcision should be carried out or not. It is not routinely performed in the UK because there is no clear clinical evidence to suggest that it is has any medical benefit.
Some recent studies have shown that circumcision may help prevent cancer of the penis, and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, good personal hygiene, not smoking and having safe sex are generally considered more important.
For more information see the NHS Direct guide below:
- Introduction
- Why it is necessary
- When it should be done
- Recovery
- Risks
- Selected links