Circumcision
Circumcision is a simple surgical procedure in which the foreskin—the skin covering the head of the penis—is removed. It can be performed in infants, children, or adults for medical, cultural, religious, or personal reasons. While infancy is the ideal time for circumcision, many older boys and men also undergo the procedure.
By removing the foreskin, circumcision enhances genital hygiene, lowers the risk of infections, and may prevent several long-term complications.
History
Circumcision has been practiced for thousands of years across cultures in Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia, particularly in hot climates. Today, around 38% of males worldwide are circumcised. Its popularity varies across regions, often influenced by cultural, social, and health-related factors.
Benefits of Circumcision
- Prevents phimosis (tight foreskin), which affects about 1 in 10 teenage boys and men.
- Lowers the risk of penile inflammation and infections.
- Reduces the chances of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and related kidney complications.
- Decreases the risk of penile cancer and lowers the risk of cervical cancer in female partners.
- Offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Improves genital hygiene by preventing smegma accumulation.
- In some cases, enhances sexual comfort by reducing excessive sensitivity of the glans.
Risks & Recovery
When performed by an experienced urologist, circumcision is a safe procedure with a very low rate of complications. Minor risks may include temporary bleeding or infection, which occur in about 2–3% of cases.
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Difficulty or absence of urination within 12 hours after the procedure.
- Persistent bleeding or swelling.
- Foul-smelling discharge from the surgical site.
In rare cases, issues like improper healing, too much or too little foreskin removal, or skin reattachment may occur, requiring further correction.
Contraindications
Circumcision is generally avoided in individuals with bleeding disorders (like hemophilia) unless managed by a specialized team. It is also contraindicated in children with associated genital abnormalities such as hypospadias, where reconstruction is needed instead.