Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. The procedure is fairly common for newborn boys in certain parts of the world, including the United States. For some families, circumcision is a religious ritual. The procedure can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. For others, however, circumcision seems unnecessary or disfiguring.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks. Circumcision might have various health benefits, including: easier hygiene, less urinary tract infections, and lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.