Boys are born with a hood of skin that covers the head of their penis called the foreskin. Circumcision is a surgical procedure during which, the penis and foreskin are cleaned, and the foreskin is removed.

Circumcision or preputioplasty is also performed for medical reasons, when excess foreskin or so-called phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin), is removed. As a result of phimosis, a connective tissue barrier has formed on the foreskin, which needs to be opened so that it does not cause discomfort to the patient. With excess foreskin, there are difficulties with hygiene.

Circumcision also lowers the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), circumcised males may have a lower risk of contracting some sexually transmitted diseases.
Circumcision doesn’t affect fertility. It also is not thought to enhance or lessen sexual pleasure for men or their partners.