Overview
Circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin from the human penis. It is often performed for religious or cultural reasons. Circumcision for these reasons is not available on the NHS.
Although controversial, some evidence suggests that circumcision can be associated with a reduced risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV.
Indications
Indications for circumcision include:
- Phimosis (non-physiological)
- Paraphimosis
- Recurrent balanitis
- Lichen sclerosus affecting the foreskin (balanitis xerotica obliterans)
Before surgery, hypospadias/epispadias and related conditions should be excluded as the foreskin may be used in surgical repair.
