Circumcision – Safe and Quick Procedure for Males
Circumcision is a minor surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis. Safe, quick, and hygienic, it helps prevent infections and improves personal care.
Circumcision (male)
Circumcision is a surgery that removes the foreskin, the skin covering the tip of the penis. It’s most often done in babies but can also be performed on older children and adults. Circumcision may offer several health benefits, such as lowering the risk of certain infections and conditions. Like any surgery, it also has risks, including pain and bleeding. Healing usually takes about a week, though it may take longer in some cases.
What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is a minor surgical procedure that removes the foreskin, the fold of skin covering the head (glans) of the penis. It is most commonly performed on newborn boys, often within the first week of life, though older children and adults may also undergo the procedure. Circumcision can be done for religious or cultural reasons, personal hygiene, or preventive healthcare. While generally safe, adult circumcision carries higher risks and longer recovery times compared to newborn procedures.
Is it healthier to circumcise or not?
It depends. Circumcision has both medical advantages and disadvantages, and several major medical associations — including the American Urological Association (AUA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — support offering it as an option for parents.
Both groups agree that the health benefits outweigh the risks. However, they stop short of recommending circumcision for all newborns. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, best made by parents in consultation with their child’s healthcare provider.
How common is circumcision?
Circumcision is the most frequently performed surgery among males. In the United States, more than 70% of males are circumcised, while the global rate is around 33%.
The highest circumcision rates are seen in:
The United States
The Middle East
South Korea
By contrast, circumcision is less common in Europe, much of Asia, and South America. It is also an important religious practice among Jewish and Muslim communities.
At what age do males get circumcised?
Circumcision can be done at any age, though it is most often performed within the first week of life, typically within 48 hours after birth in hospitals. Early circumcision is generally considered safer and easier, while delaying the procedure can increase risks.
In the Jewish tradition, circumcision (called a brit milah or bris) is performed on the 8th day of a baby’s life by a trained religious leader (mohel). In other cultures, circumcision may be carried out later in childhood or adulthood.
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What to Expect During and After Circumcision
During the Procedure
Newborn circumcision usually happens in the hospital nursery within the first few days after birth.
Your baby will lie on their back, and their arms and legs will be gently restrained.
The penis and surrounding area are cleaned, and a numbing medicine (anesthetic) is applied either as a cream or injection.
A special clamp or plastic ring is placed, and the foreskin is removed.
After the procedure, the penis is covered with ointment (antibiotic or petroleum jelly) and loosely wrapped with gauze.
The procedure usually takes about 5–10 minutes.
Older children and adults
May need general anesthesia to prevent pain and keep them asleep.
Recovery can take longer, and the risk of complications is slightly higher.
After the Procedure
Healing usually takes 7–10 days.
The penis tip may be sore, swollen, bruised, or discolored. A small amount of yellow fluid is normal.
If your baby is fussy as the numbing medicine wears off, hold them gently. Avoid putting pressure on the penis.
Wash the penis with warm water and mild soap, then pat dry.
For newborns, change the bandage with each diaper change and apply a small amount of ointment or petroleum jelly to prevent sticking.
If a plastic ring was used instead of a bandage, it will fall off on its own in about 7–10 days.
Call a Healthcare Professional If:
Your baby hasn’t urinated within 12 hours after the procedure.
Your baby has a fever.
Your baby cries a lot and seems to be in pain.
Bleeding doesn’t stop.
The tip of the penis changes color or worsens after 3–5 days.
There is foul-smelling drainage.
The plastic ring hasn’t fallen off after two weeks or has moved down the penis.
Why Circumcision is Done
Circumcision is often performed for religious or cultural reasons. It is an important tradition for many Jewish and Islamic families, as well as some Indigenous communities. Some families also choose it for reasons like family tradition, personal hygiene, or preventive healthcare.
In some cases, circumcision is done for medical reasons. For example, if the foreskin is too tight to pull back over the tip of the penis (a condition called phimosis), circumcision may be recommended. In certain regions where HIV is common, circumcision is also suggested to help lower the risk of infection.
Possible health benefits of circumcision include:
Easier hygiene – makes it simpler to clean the penis.
Lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) – these are rare in males but happen more often in those who aren’t circumcised.
Lower risk of some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV – though safe sex practices like condom use are still essential.
Prevention of foreskin problems – such as phimosis or inflammation.
Lower risk of penile cancer – which is already rare, but even less common in circumcised men. It may also lower cervical cancer risk in female partners.
When circumcision may be delayed or avoided:
If a baby has a condition that affects blood clotting.
If the baby is premature and still in the hospital for care.
If the baby is born with certain penile conditions.
Circumcision does not affect fertility (the ability to have children). It’s also generally not thought to reduce or improve sexual pleasure for men or their partners.
Risks of Circumcision
The most common risks are bleeding and infection. Some bleeding is normal—usually just a few drops—but if it doesn’t stop or is heavy, a healthcare professional should check it. Side effects from anesthesia can also occur.
Rarely, circumcision can cause foreskin problems, such as:
The foreskin being cut too short or too long.
Improper healing of the foreskin.
The remaining foreskin reattaching to the tip of the penis, which may require a minor repair.
These risks are lower when circumcision is done by a trained doctor (obstetrician, pediatrician, or urologist) in a medical setting like a hospital or clinic. If the procedure is done for religious or cultural reasons outside a medical facility, it’s important that the person performing it is experienced and trained to minimize pain and prevent infection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Circumcision is the most common surgery among males. In the United States, over 70% of males are circumcised. Globally, the circumcision rate is about 33%. It’s most common in the U.S., the Middle East, and South Korea. Jewish and Muslim people also perform circumcision as part of their religious traditions.
Circumcision can be done at any age, but most procedures happen within the first week after birth, usually within 48 hours. In Jewish faith, circumcision (bris) is performed on the 8th day. In some cultures, it may be done later in childhood or even adulthood.
Healthcare providers recommend avoiding sexual intercourse and masturbation for at least 4 to 6 weeks, or until the penis is completely healed, to prevent complications.
Most children can return to daycare or school within a few days. Older children and adults may need at least a week off from school or work to allow proper healing.
If you decide not to circumcise, your child’s foreskin will remain attached during the first few years of life. Never force it back. Teach your child proper hygiene when they’re old enough. Your healthcare provider can guide you on foreskin and penile care.
Circumcision may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), penile cancer, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV and HPV. However, these risks are generally low, and good hygiene can also help prevent many issues.
Like any surgery, circumcision has risks, though they’re rare. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, pain, or improper healing. Most issues are minor and treatable with proper care.
In most cases, circumcision is an elective procedure and not medically required. Parents often choose it for cultural, religious, or personal reasons. Adults may choose it for health, hygiene, or religious purposes later in life.
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