Male circumcision is a topic that sparks curiosity, questions and sometimes debate. Whether you’re a parent weighing the decision for your newborn or an adult considering the procedure, understanding the facts is key.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: what circumcision is, why people choose it and what the latest medical research says, so you can make a confident, informed choice that feels right for you or your family.
1. What Is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin or the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. The foreskin protects the sensitive glans (tip) and keeps it moist. Over time, it naturally loosens and retracts, allowing for easier hygiene.
While the foreskin has nerve endings and plays a role in sexual sensation later in life, removing it doesn’t hinder normal development. Both circumcised and uncircumcised males can lead healthy lives.
2. Why Do Males Get Circumcised?
Circumcision is most commonly performed at the newborn stage compared to adults. Families and individuals choose circumcision for various reasons, including:
- Cultural or religious traditions: Circumcision is a key practice in many cultures and religions.
- Medical benefits: It can lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in infants and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adults.
- Personal or family preference: Some parents opt for circumcision to simplify hygiene or because it’s customary in their family or region.
Across the world, circumcision rates vary significantly depending on country and region. For instance, rates are high in parts of Africa and the Middle East, where the practice is deeply rooted in religious traditions like Islam and Judaism, as well as health initiatives aimed at reducing HIV transmission.
In contrast, rates are much lower in Europe, where circumcision is typically not performed routinely and is often reserved for specific medical or religious reasons. In the U.S., circumcision is relatively common, though rates have been declining in recent years.
3. What Are the Health Benefits of Circumcision?
Circumcision offers several potential health advantages:
- Lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in infancy, which can sometimes lead to more serious kidney issues.
- Reduced likelihood of penile inflammation or foreskin-related problems, such as phimosis (tight foreskin).
- Decreased risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and HPV, particularly in high-risk populations.
- Simplified hygiene for some children, making it easier to keep the area clean.
That said, circumcision isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Many uncircumcised males remain perfectly healthy with proper hygiene and care.
4. When Is the Best Time for Circumcision?
The timing of circumcision can influence the procedure’s ease and recovery:
- Newborns: Healing is typically quick, with minimal complications. The procedure is often performed in the hospital shortly after birth.
- Children and adolescents: Circumcision is still safe but involves longer healing times and requires anesthesia.
- Adults: While safe, adult circumcision comes with a longer recovery period, including activity restrictions and potential discomfort during healing.
Ultimately, the best timing depends on individual circumstances, medical needs and personal or family preferences.
6. What Can You Expect from the Procedure?
During circumcision, a trained clinician removes the foreskin. For newborns, the procedure only takes a few minutes, and is typically performed in the hospital shortly after birth. Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort. Common techniques include the Gomco clamp, Mogen clamp and Plastibell device.
For older children and adults, the procedure takes longer and involves local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Recovery is generally faster for newborns, while older individuals may need a few weeks to heal fully.
7. Does Circumcision Hurt?
Pain is a common concern, but modern medical techniques ensure it’s well-managed at all ages.
- For newborns, a local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort. Most babies experience only mild irritation, and any fussiness is often due to being positioned for the procedure rather than the procedure itself.
- For older children and adults, anesthesia — whether local, sedation or general — is used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Mild to moderate soreness is normal during recovery, but it typically subsides within a week with proper care.
Thanks to advances in pain management, circumcision is a safe and tolerable experience for patients of all ages.
8. What Are the Potential Risks?
Circumcision is generally considered a safe and routine procedure when performed by a skilled professional, but as with any surgery, some risks are possible. The most common issues are minor and manageable, including:
- Pain: Discomfort is expected but is well-managed with anesthesia and pain relief.
- Bleeding or infection: There is a small risk of bleeding at the site or minor infection, both of which are typically easy to treat.
- Cosmetic issues: In rare cases, too much or too little foreskin may be removed, or the remaining skin may heal unevenly.
- Adhesions: The skin of the shaft may sometimes stick to the glans, but this can usually be corrected with a simple, non-surgical treatment.
The risk of complications is lowest in newborns, with studies showing a rate between 0.2 percent and 0.6 percent. The risk increases for procedures performed later in life, with complication rates for older children and adults being up to 10 times higher than for infants. Even when minor complications do occur, the need for revision surgery is very uncommon.
9. Why Are U.S. Circumcision Rates Falling?
In the U.S., circumcision rates have been steadily declining for over two decades. A recent report by Johns Hopkins Medicine and published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed a significant drop in newborn circumcision rates between 2012 and 2022, particularly in Western states and among families opting out of routine hospital practices.
Several factors have contributed to the ongoing trend, including:
- Shifting cultural attitudes: Parents are weighing medical benefits against personal beliefs and values.
- Updated medical guidance: The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that circumcision is elective, highlighting its benefits while leaving the decision to parents.
- Cost and insurance: Some states don’t cover routine newborn circumcision.
- Access to information: Families now have more resources to make informed decisions.
10. What Happens If You Don’t Get Circumcised?
Not circumcising is a safe and normal choice for many families. Boys with intact foreskins can stay healthy with proper hygiene, which involves gently cleaning under the foreskin once it naturally retracts.
While some uncircumcised males may experience conditions like phimosis (tight foreskin) or balanitis (inflammation of the glans), these are often treatable without surgery.
Overall, circumcision is a deeply personal choice, and both circumcised and uncircumcised males can lead healthy lives. By consulting trusted healthcare providers, families and individuals can make informed decisions that align with their values and needs.
