Male circumcision is a surgery to remove the foreskin, a fold of skin that covers and protects the rounded tip of the penis. If it’s done, circumcision is usually done soon after birth.

There are both benefits and risks to newborn circumcision. The decision whether to have a baby circumcised is often based on the personal preference of the parents.

Some older boys and men need circumcision to treat problems with the foreskin of the penis or for swelling of the tip of the penis.