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In males, '''circumcision''' is the surgical removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the male reproductive organ. This operation is usually performed early in a child's life. Circumcision is common in Western countries and the [[Middle East]]. In the northern areas of the [[United States]], around 85% of all newborn boys are circumsized.<ref>http://www.cirp.org/library/statistics/USA/</ref>

In males, '''circumcision''' is the surgical removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the male reproductive organ. This operation is usually performed early in a child's life. Circumcision is common in Western countries and the [[Middle East]].  

 

Circumcision rates have been declining since 1965, due in part to statements from the [American Academy of Pediatrics]<ref> AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS - Task Force on Circumcision - Circumcision Policy Statement [http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/aap1999/]</ref><ref>AAP Press Release - NEW AAP CIRCUMCISION POLICY RELEASED[http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marcircum.htm]</ref><ref>PEDIATRICS Vol. 103 No. 3 March 1999, pp. 686-693 - AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS:  Circumcision Policy Statement [http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/3/686]"A statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on September 1, 2005."</ref> and the [American Medical Association] <ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</ref> discouraging the practice.  While it varies regionally, in 2004 about 57% of newborn boys were circumsized. <ref>United States Circumcision Incidence[http://www.cirp.org/library/statistics/USA/]</ref>

The procedure lasts only 10 minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Circumcision has the benefits of preventing urinary tract infections, penile cancer and certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness and this is a normal part of the procedure.

The procedure lasts only 10 minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Circumcision has the benefits of preventing urinary tract infections, penile cancer and certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness and this is a normal part of the procedure.