The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the benefits of this surgery outweigh the risks. However, the AAP doesn’t recommend routine circumcision for all male newborns. The AAP leaves the decision up to parents — and supports use of anesthetics for infants who have the procedure. Circumcision doesn’t affect fertility, nor is generally thought to enhance or detract from sexual pleasure for men or their partners.
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It makes it simpler to wash the penis. Washing beneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis is generally easy, however.
Decreased risk of urinary tract infections. The overall risk of urinary tract infections in males is low, but these infections are more common in uncircumcised males. Severe infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later on.
Decreased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Circumcised men might have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Still, safe sexual practices remain essential.
Prevention of penile problems. Occasionally, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis). This can lead to inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis.
Decreased risk of penile cancer. Although cancer of the penis is rare, it’s less common in circumcised men. In addition, cervical cancer is less common in the female sexual partners of circumcised men.