Circumcision is a procedure in which a portion of the foreskin is removed.

The foreskin is normally stuck to the glans of the penis in early childhood. As the child develops the foreskin begins to separate from the glans. By early teens it is usually possible to retract or pull back the foreskin over the glans. If the foreskin cannot be pulled back by the age of 16 years then it is probably too tight. This condition is called phimosis.

Circumcision is done either for religious or medical reasons. Religious circumcision is performed within the Jewish and Muslim traditions. Non-religious circumcision began in the 19^th century and became almost routine in certain countries. It is estimated that approximately 1.2 million 'routine' circumcisions are performed each year in the USA. Routine circumcision never became standard practice here in Ireland.

The principal reasons for performing circumcision in Ireland are:

• the foreskin is interfering with the passage of urine.
• the foreskin is so tight that it is interfering with erection of the penis thereby causing pain during intercourse.

Non religious circumcision is performed as an elective surgical procedure. It is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. The piece of foreskin to be removed is cut with a surgical knife and the remaining cut end is sewn with surgical thread.

If the foreskin is too tight it may be possible to loosen it over time by gently stretching it over the glans. This could take several months to achieve and must be done gently. If this is not done gently it can lead to tiny tears in the inner lining of the foreskin which can result in scarring and further tightening of the foreskin. Sometimes a mild steroid cream may assist the process of stretching.

• Circumcision does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• Circumcision does not prevent HIV infection.
• Circumcision does not prevent urinary infections.
• Circumcision does not prevent cancer of the penis.