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Recent studies suggest that circumcision also might help prevent spread of HIV. But so far, circumcision only has proven effective at lowering risk of HIV infection in men who have vaginal sex with women who are infected with HIV. More research is needed to learn what role circumcision might play in preventing HIV. Practicing safe sex, including using a condom, is the best protection against HIV.

Circumcision

• More information on circumcision

If you have a baby boy, you likely will be asked whether you want him to be circumcised. Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis. It's a good idea to think about this before going into labor because it is often offered before a new baby leaves the hospital.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend routine circumcision because the medical benefits do not outweigh the risks. But parents also need to consider their religious, cultural, and personal preferences when making the choice to circumcise their son.

There are medical benefits and risks to circumcision. Possible benefits include:

• A lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Keep in mind that UTIs affect only 1 percent or less of men who are not circumcised.
• A lower risk of penile cancer. Keep in mind that penile cancer is very rare in both men who are or are not circumcised.
• A possible lower risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Keep in mind that practicing safe sex, including using a condom, is the best protection against STIs.

The risks of circumcision include:

• Pain. If you decide to have your baby circumcised, you can ask that a numbing medicine be put on your baby's penis to lessen the pain.
• A low risk of bleeding or infection.

These risks are higher when circumcision is performed on older babies, boys, and men.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the risks or possible benefits.

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More information on circumcision

Explore other publications and websites

• Circumcision (Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians) — This publication provides information for parents on the benefits and risks of circumcision and how to care for a baby with or without circumcision.
  http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/reproductive/042.html
• Circumcision (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics) — When making the decision whether to circumcise your son, you will want to weigh the benefits and risks. This website discusses the benefits and risks to help you make an informed choice.
  http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/pages/Circumcision.aspx
• Circumcision (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) — This fact sheet explains what circumcision is and goes over the pros and cons of circumcision.
  http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgical/circumcision.html
• Newborn Circumcision (Copyright © American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) — Parents often have questions about circumcision. The choice of whether to have your son circumcised is a personal decision, one that should be made after getting the facts. This pamphlet gives information on circumcision to help make an informed choice.
  http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp039.cfm

Connect with other organizations

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html
• American Academy of Pediatrics
  http://www.aap.org/
• KidsHealth
  http://kidshealth.org/
• March of Dimes
  http://www.marchofdimes.com
• Maternal and Child Health Bureau Prenatal Hotlines, HRSA, HHS
  http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/womeninfants/prenatal.html

Content last updated September 27, 2010.

Resources last updated September 27, 2010.

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