Changes

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]]. Ritual circumcision is common in the Jewish and Islamic faiths, but uncommon altogether in Asia, South and Central America, and most of Europe.<ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</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]]. Ritual circumcision is common in the Jewish and Islamic faiths, but uncommon altogether in Asia, South and Central America, and most of Europe.<ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</ref>  

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 circumsised.  <ref>United States Circumcision Incidence[http://www.cirp.org/library/statistics/USA/]</ref>

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 circumcised.  <ref>United States Circumcision Incidence[http://www.cirp.org/library/statistics/USA/]</ref>

The procedure lasts only ten 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. Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness and this is a normal part of the procedure.

The procedure lasts only ten 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. Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness and this is a normal part of the procedure.