Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. It’s one of the oldest medical procedures in the world and is performed for many reasons. While some people choose it for religious or cultural reasons, others do it for health or personal hygiene.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision, but understanding it can help you or your family make the right choice.
Why people consider circumcision:
- Religious beliefs – Common in Judaism and Islam
- Hygiene – Easier to clean the penis
- Medical reasons – Issues like tight foreskin (phimosis)
- Prevention – Lowers the risk of some infections
- Social norms – Sometimes done because it’s common in a certain region or culture
What is a circumcision?
Circumcision is a procedure that removes the foreskin from the penis. The foreskin is a soft fold of skin that covers the head (tip) of the penis. In newborns and children, this skin is tight. In adults, it may be retracted during cleaning or sexual activity.
This minor surgery has been done for thousands of years. It’s considered very safe when done by trained professionals.
Circumcision may be:
- Medical – Recommended by doctors for health issues
- Religious – Part of rituals in certain faiths
- Elective – Chosen by adults for hygiene or personal reasons
Many people who are circumcised as babies grow up without remembering the procedure, while adults may take more time to decide.
Let’s talk about how circumcision is actually done. The details may vary slightly depending on your age and the reason for the procedure, but the basic steps are similar.
For Newborns:
- Performed within the first 10 days of life
- Baby is placed on a soft, secure board
- Area is cleaned and numbed with medicine
- A small device (like a clamp or ring) is used to cut the foreskin
- The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes
- Baby may cry, but the pain usually goes away quickly
For Teens and Adults:
- Usually done under local or general anesthesia
- Foreskin is gently pulled forward and removed
- Stitches may be used to close the incision
- The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes
- Rest and care are needed afterward to heal properly
Important points:
- It’s an outpatient procedure—you go home the same day
- Pain is controlled with medicine or local numbing
- Most people return to normal activities in a few days to weeks
Like any medical procedure, circumcision has pros and cons. It’s important to weigh them before deciding.
Benefits of Circumcision:
- Easier to maintain hygiene – No need to clean under the foreskin
- Lower risk of infections – Especially urinary tract infections in babies
- Reduces risk of STDs – Including HIV and HPV in some cases
- No risk of foreskin problems – Like phimosis (tight foreskin)
- Possible reduced risk of penile cancer – Though rare, it is slightly lower
Risks of Circumcision:
- Pain during or after the procedure – Usually mild and manageable
- Bleeding or infection – Rare but can happen if not properly cared for
- Irritation during healing – Common in the first few days
- Too much or too little skin removed – Very rare with experienced doctors
- Loss of sensitivity – Some men report reduced sensitivity over time, though this is debated
Key takeaways:
- Circumcision is mostly safe when done correctly
- Most complications are minor and go away with time
- Talk to your doctor about any concerns before the procedure
Recovery from circumcision depends on the person’s age, health, and how the procedure was done.
For Babies:
- Healing time: 7 to 10 days
- Expect redness, mild swelling, and maybe a yellow scab (this is normal)
- Keep diapers loose and clean
- Apply ointment to prevent sticking
- Baby may cry during urination for a few days
For Teens and Adults:
- Healing time: 2 to 4 weeks
- Soreness and swelling for the first few days
- Avoid heavy lifting or sex for 4–6 weeks
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Wear soft, loose underwear to reduce irritation
Tips for a smooth recovery:
- Take prescribed pain medicine or over-the-counter pain relief
- Follow all care instructions carefully
- Avoid touching or scratching the area
- Use warm water to clean the area gently
- Go for follow-up appointments if needed
Most people fully recover and get back to normal life soon after. For babies, the pain is short-lived. For adults, it’s more uncomfortable but manageable.
When To Call the Doctor
While most circumcisions heal without problems, there are times when you need to talk to a doctor.
Call the doctor if you notice:
- Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Swelling that gets worse instead of better
- Pus or foul-smelling fluid coming from the wound
- Fever (a sign of infection)
- Trouble urinating
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away with medicine
Doctors are trained to help with these problems. It’s better to ask early than to wait and risk infection or complications.
