Circumcision

Circumcision

Male circumcision is surgery to remove the foreskin (prepuce), a fold of skin that covers and protects the rounded tip of the penis (glans). This surgery is most commonly done on newborns about 24 hours old.

Newborn circumcision is not usually medically necessary, and the decision whether to have it done is based on the personal preference of the parents.

Credits

Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C)
- Pediatric Urology
Last Updated February 19, 2008