Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of
the penis. In the United States, it is often done before a new baby leaves the hospital.
There are medical benefits and risks to circumcision. Possible benefits include a lower
risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. The
risks include pain and a low risk of bleeding or infection.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that the medical benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks. They recommend that parents make this decision in consultation with their pediatrician. Parents need to decide what is best for their sons, based on their religious, cultural and personal preferences.
National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health | Department of Health and Human Services
