Circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin — the fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis. It's done for different reasons: sometimes medical, sometimes religious or cultural. Some people are circumcised as babies, others later in life.

• Circumcision removes the foreskin from the penis.
• It's done for medical, religious, or cultural reasons.
• In the UK, it's less common than in some other countries (like the US), but it's still widespread.
• A circumcised penis and an uncircumcised penis both work the same way.
• Female genital mutilation (FGM) is sometimes wrongly called "female circumcision" — they are not the same thing.

[DIAGRAM: Before/after diagram showing circumcised and uncircumcised penis, labelled]

Why it's done

Medical reasons — sometimes the foreskin is too tight to pull back (a condition called phimosis), which can cause pain or problems with urination. If other treatments like stretching or steroid creams don't work, circumcision might be recommended by a doctor. The NHS covers this.

Religious and cultural reasons — circumcision is a significant practice in Judaism and Islam, where it's usually done in infancy or early childhood. It's also culturally common in some African, Middle Eastern, and South-East Asian communities. For many families, it's an important tradition.

Personal choice — some adults choose to be circumcised for their own reasons, whether cosmetic, hygienic, or personal preference.

What the procedure involves

For babies, it's a quick procedure done under local anaesthetic. For older children and adults, it's usually done under general anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. The foreskin is removed, and the area heals over a few weeks. It's sore for a while afterwards, and there's a recovery period where you need to keep the area clean.

Does it change anything?

Both circumcised and uncircumcised penises work the same way — they can get erect, ejaculate, and feel pleasure. Some people claim circumcision reduces sensitivity; others say it makes no difference. The evidence is mixed, and individual experiences vary a lot.

In terms of hygiene, an uncircumcised penis needs regular cleaning under the foreskin to prevent a buildup of smegma (a natural white substance). A circumcised penis doesn't need this specific step, but both need normal washing. Neither is "cleaner" than the other if you wash properly.

The debate

Circumcision is one of those topics where people have strong opinions. Some see it as a valuable cultural or religious practice, or point to minor health benefits (like a slightly lower risk of certain infections). Others argue that removing part of a baby's body without their consent is ethically wrong, since the child can't choose for themselves.

This glossary isn't going to tell you what to think about it. What matters is that you understand what it is and that you know both circumcised and uncircumcised bodies are normal.

FGM is different

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is sometimes called "female circumcision," but this is misleading. FGM involves cutting or removing parts of the external female genitalia, often causes serious physical and psychological harm, and is illegal in the UK. It's not comparable to male circumcision in terms of procedure, purpose, or impact.

Things people ask about circumcision

Is it normal to be circumcised / not circumcised?

Both are completely normal. In the UK, most people with a penis are not circumcised, but a significant number are — especially within certain religious and cultural communities. There's no "right" way for a penis to look.

Does circumcision hurt?

Babies are given local anaesthetic during the procedure. For older children and adults, it's done under general anaesthetic. There's soreness during healing, which usually takes a few weeks.

Can you get circumcised as a teenager or adult?

Yes. If it's for a medical reason, the NHS will cover it. If it's for personal or cultural reasons, it's usually done privately.

Does being circumcised affect sex?

Both circumcised and uncircumcised penises feel pleasure and function the same way during sex. Some people notice differences in sensitivity, but there's no evidence that circumcision makes sex better or worse overall.

Where to get help

• Your GP — if you have concerns about your foreskin (tightness, pain, or difficulty retracting it), a GP can assess whether treatment is needed.
• NHS 111 — for advice if you're not sure whether something needs medical attention.

Circumcision is when a doctor removes the fold of skin that covers the tip of the penis. This skin is called the foreskin. Some babies have it done when they're very small. Some people have it done when they're older.

There are different reasons people have it done. Sometimes the skin is too tight and causes pain, so a doctor recommends removing it. In some religions, like Judaism and Islam, it's an important tradition. Some people just choose to have it done.

For babies, it's a quick procedure with pain relief. For older people, it's done while they're asleep under anaesthetic and takes about half an hour. The area is sore for a few weeks while it heals.

A penis with the foreskin removed and a penis with the foreskin still there both work the same way. Neither is better or worse. Both are normal. The main difference is that a penis with foreskin needs regular washing underneath it.

In the UK, most boys and men are not circumcised, but many are, especially in certain religious and cultural communities. There's no right or wrong way for a penis to look.