Circumcision

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.

Circumcision rates have been declining since 1965, due in part to statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association discouraging the practice. While it varies regionally, in 2004 about 57% of newborn boys were circumcised.

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 medical benefits suggested to accrue from circumcision are reduced incidence of urinary tract infection in infant males, decreased incidence of penile cancer in adult males, and possibly decreased susceptibility to certain sexually transmissible diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite these benefits, the AMA does not recommend routine infant circumcision. They state that because the incidence of urinary tract infection in infant males is low to begin with, circumcision is not justified as a preventive measure against this condition; because penile cancer is rare and occurs later in life, the use of circumcision as a preventive practice is not justified; and because behavioral factors are far more important risk factors for acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmissible diseases than circumcision status, circumcision cannot be responsibly viewed as "protecting" against such infections. The AMA concludes that "Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision."

Female Circumcision (FGM)

Female circumcision, practiced in parts of Africa, is a much different procedure that can have lasting effects on a girl's health. The procedure may range from a simple cut in the pubic region to the complete removal of parts of the female reproductive organs. While the procedure is an important part of some African cultures, there is increased pressure by women's groups worldwide to ban it. Female circumcision is often referred to in the medical community as Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM.