Circumcision in newborns is a surgical procedure, performed as an out-patient, that involves the removal of the foreskin (the skin covering the tip of the penis). It is commonly performed for cultural, religious, or medical reasons

When is it done?

    -   Usually performed within the first few days after birth, often between 24-72 hours after delivery, if the baby is healthy.
    -   In some cultures, circumcision is performed later in childhood.

How is circumcision performed?

Circumcision is typically performed in the hospital by a doctor. The baby is placed on a special table and his penis is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. The foreskin is then removed with a scalpel or other surgical instrument. The procedure usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Circumcision is considered a safe procedure.

Benefits of circumcision

Circumcision has been shown to have several potential health benefits, including:

    -   Reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in infants
    -   Reduced risk of penile cancer
    -   Reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
    -   Reduced risk of balanitis, an inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis
    -   Reduced risk of phimosis, a condition in which the foreskin cannot be retracted