Circumcisions

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis, and it is a common procedure for newborn boys in the United States and other parts of the world. For some families, the procedure is part of a religious ritual. While the American Academy of Pediatrics states that the benefits of circumcision well outweigh its risks, the Academy also recognizes that the procedure is entirely a matter of choice by a child’s parent or guardian. Some of the known benefits of circumcision pertain to personal hygiene, a decreased risk of STD infection, fewer penile problems and a decreased risk of penile cancer. Ask your doctor about any concerns you may have about circumcision, and remember that not all physicians perform this in-office procedure.