Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue
covering the head of the penis. It is an ancient practice that
has its origin in religious rites. Today, many parents have
their sons circumcised for religious or other reasons. When is
circumcision done? Circumcision is usually performed on the
first or second day after birth. (Among the Jewish population,
circumcision is performed on the eighth day.) The procedure
becomes more complicated and riskier in older babies, children,
and men. How is circumcision done? During a circumcision, the
foreskin is freed from the head of the penis (glans), and the
excess foreskin is clipped off. If done in the newborn period,
the procedure takes about five to 10 minutes. Adult circumcision
takes about one hour. The circumcision generally heals in five
to seven days. Is circumcision necessary? The use of
circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that
continues to be debated. Currently, the American Academy of
Pediatrics does not recommend routine