Circumcision

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Foreskin

Foreskin removal; Removal of foreskin

Risks related to circumcision:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Redness around the surgery site
• Injury to the penis

Some research has suggested that uncircumcised male infants have an increased risk of certain conditions, including:

• Cancer of the penis
• Certain sexually transmitted diseases including HIV
• Infections of the penis
• Phimosis (tightness of the foreskin that prevents it from retracting)
• Urinary tract infections

The overall increased risk for these conditions is thought to be relatively small.

Proper hygiene of the penis and safe sexual practices can help prevent many of these conditions. Proper hygiene is always important, but is thought to be especially important for uncircumcised males.

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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