A 34-year-old member asked:
What is circumcision for?
6 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Dansieanswered
Family Medicine 17 years experience
Circumcision: Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, a small flap of skin that covers the tip of the penis, generally performed in the days after birth. Examination of scientific studies between 1995 and now shows links between circumcision and decreased risks for urinary tract infections, some kinds of cancer, hpv, hiv, and other sexually transmitted diseases. There is a preventative effect.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Darren Mackanswered
Urology 13 years experience
To remove foreskin: Circumcision is the act of removing the foreskin in a male. It is done for religious/cultural reasons, cosmetic purposes, and functional problems because the skin is too tight and results in painful erections or difficult urination.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. George Klauberanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Removal of foreskin: Mostly done in infancy because parents think it is cleaner and will avoid infections. May need to be done if foreskin is tight (phimosis) and doesn't retract easily & does not respond to steroid cream. Some adolescents want to look like the majority of other boys. It does prevent penile cancer which in itself is very rare and more likely caused by poor hygiene. Less smell. Some think looks better.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. George Klauberanswered
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
Removal of foreskin: Performed on all jewish babies on 8th day of life, on all devout muslims before adulthood & majority of caucasian americans. It prevents smega collection under a foreskin, reduces risk of utis in 1st 6-months of life & risk of cancer in men with poor penile hygeine or inability to retract foreskin & significantly reduces risk of HIV in africa & possibly elsewhere..
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged

Dr. James Ferguson commented
Pediatrics 47 years experience
Foreskin= skin covering the barb like glans penis at birth
Jan 8, 2014

Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 34 years experience
It is unnecessary.: Circumcision is unnecessary if good hygiene is done. Babies are born complete, finished, and perfectly fine (except for the few unlucky ones with birth defects). Circumcisions are done for religious and cultural reasons, but the procedure does permanently change the genitals, so parents should think about it and talk about it before doing anything to their perfect little newborn boy.
750 viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged

Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsettanswered
Pediatrics 39 years experience
Circumcision: Circumcision is the surgical removal of foreskin that covers the glans- tip of the penis. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Circumcision is done primarily for religious and cultural reasons. Uncircumcised males can be kept clean with gentle cleaning of the tip of the penis.
750 viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
Which benefits are there to circumcision?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Sneidanswered
Endocrinology 42 years experience
Minor benefits: There are minor potential health benefits to circumcision, unless you need one for medical reasons. It would be painful to have the surgery at your age. Discuss the pros/cons w/ a good urologist.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
What's the benefit of circumcision?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
Preventative if any: Circ rates run 0-80% depending on cultural, religious and healthcare practices around the world. The only males with utis i've treated in 3 decades were uncircumcised and under 2mo old. You never have a trapped glans(paraphimosis) or cancer of the removed area.Reduction in std rates are documented.I viiew it similar to piercing ears but with known health benifits.Easy and heals quick for newborns.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 37-year-old member asked:
What are the consequences of my circumcision?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Pavel Conovalciucanswered
Family Medicine 24 years experience
It depends: There are no consequences of circumcision, as it is not something faulty that one does. If it's not done correctly, there may be some damage to the underlying penile structures, bleeding, excessive skin removal, etc. If it's done correctly, however, there should be no consequences. The only thing that I am aware of is those men who have had circumcision, may experience less sexual enhancement.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. George Klauber commented
Specializes in Pediatric Urology
There are problems if too much skin is removed. Boys and men can then experience painful erections
Dec 6, 2011
A 37-year-old member asked:
What can I do to repair my circumcision?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Albert Pizzoanswered
Family Medicine 61 years experience
Repair circumcision: The only thing you should do is to see your doctor to be examined so you can receive proper treatment. Do not attempt any self treatment. Consider psychological care if this is causing you mental pain.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Is circumcision more healthy?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Sarleanswered
Urology 23 years experience
Circ: Very controversial, many believe cleaner...Some data showing lower rates of HIV transmission....No clear answer.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 17, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.