Health - Quick guide to ... Circumcision

23 June 2009 1 min read Health

Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis. It is done mainly due to religious beliefs, but it can sometimes be medically necessary. In some cultures, males must be circumcised shortly after birth, during childhood, or around puberty as part of a rite of passage. The procedure is currently the subject of much debate following a US study that suggested it can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections

- Circumcision is only carried out on the NHS for medical reasons. In children this can be when the foreskin is very tight and cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis or due to infection. Circumcision is usually performed as a last resort when other treatments have been unsuccessful

- The NHS doesn't fund ritual circumcision but in some areas of the country it may carry it out for a fee. At these clinics, only babies between six and 12 weeks old are circumcised, and the child must be registered with a local GP. After consultation, a GP, health visitor or nurse will refer the child to a clinic

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