Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head of the penis. During the procedure, the extra skin on the tip of the penis is removed. The general healing time is 5 to 7 days. Circumcision is usually performed 1 or 2 days after birth, and becomes a considerably more difficult procedure into childhood and adulthood. There are many health benefits to circumcision. The procedure is preventative as it protects the patient from a host of potential health issues later in life.
Circumcision helps to prevent:
- risk of urinary tract infections
- balanitis, inflammation of the glans
- penile cancer
- sexually transmitted diseases
- phimosis, the ability to retract the foreskin
