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.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016