Circumcision

Circumcision is an operation on the penis, in which the foreskin is entirely or partly removed.

The foreskin covers the glans. In most boys, the foreskin is tightly wrapped around or attached to the glans until the age of about 3 years. Parents should not try to pull back the foreskin, as this may cause injury.

When is circumcision necessary?

In many countries of the world, boys are circumcised for religious or cultural reasons. Circumcision is only medically necessary if the foreskin is too tight (phimosis) and is painful, and if it cannot be treated in any other way.

By the time the boy is an adolescent, the foreskin should separate from the penis and it should be possible to pull it back from the glans. If the foreskin is still too tight, an ointment can be applied to stretch it, or it can be removed by circumcision. You should talk to a doctor about this.

Reasons for circumcision

If the foreskin is too tight (phimosis), urination can cause problems.
It is then also difficult to wash the glans. This may lead to inflammation of the glans (balanitis).
Having an erection (a hard penis), masturbation or sexual intercourse may be painful.

Problems with the foreskin may also occur in adult men. So circumcision may be required at any age. In most cases, the operation site will heal in two weeks.