Circumcision in boys
Introduction
Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.
The foreskin is the retractable fold of skin that covers the end of the penis. It's a continuation of the skin that covers the whole penis.
This page focuses on circumcision inboys for medical reasons, and covers:
- Circumcision in men why male circumcision is carried out
- how the foreskin develops
- medical reasons for malecircumcision
- the procedure
- recovering aftermale circumcision
- risks of male circumcision
This can occasionally lead to infection (balanitis), but this ballooning usually settles down with time.
Never try to force your son's foreskin back, as it may be painful and damage the foreskin.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Read about circumcision in boys, including why it's carried out, medical reasons for circumcision, what the procedure involves, recovery and risks.
Medical reasons for a boy to have a circumcision
It's rare for circumcision to be recommended for medical reasons in boys. This is because other less invasive and less risky treatments are usually available. The following conditions affect the peni
The procedure
Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. This means yourchild will be admitted to hospital on the same day he has surgery and won't need to stay overnight. Hewon't be able to eat o
Recovering after male circumcision
After the operation, a dressing will be put over the penis to protect the wound. It will be removed before your child goes home. He will be allowed home after he's passed urine, which may be slightly
Risks of male circumcision
The risks associated with circumcisions when carried out by qualified and experienced doctors are small. The main risk is bleeding, both during and after the operation. The surgeon will seal off any
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