Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis. Circumcision is fairly common for newborn boys in the United States, where the procedure is often completed before the baby leaves the hospital.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents consult with their pediatrician to make the decision about circumcision, but they have found that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Possible benefits include a lower risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. The risks include pain and a low risk of bleeding or infection.