Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis. The operation is performed on newborn male babies for religious reasons, or because in some cultures it is considered to be more hygienic. However, circumcision is not usually recommended in the UK unless there are medical reasons for doing so, and non-therapeutic (routine) neonatal circumcisions are not funded by the NHS.Why is it necessary

Circumcision may be considered necessary for the following medical reasons:

• Phimosis - this is excessive tightness of the foreskin which prevents it from being drawn back over the head of the penis. Phimosis causes pain when urinating because the urine cannot get out (causing ballooning of the foreskin), but may also lead to recurrent infections. A degree of phimosis is normal in baby boys until the age of six months.
• Paraphimosis - painful compression of the penis shaft because of retracted foreskin.
• Balanitis - infection under the foreskin due to tightness which prevents adequate cleansing and results in retained secretions.
• Pain during sex - tight foreskin can be painful during sex.

How is it performed

In babies, the operation is performed under a local anaesthetic injected around the root of the penis and into the root of the foreskin. In older children and adults it is usually performed under a general anaesthetic as a day patient.

The operation itself consists of cutting away the inner and outer layers of foreskin that cover the bulb of the penis and then stitching the edges together.