Current Medical Evidence Supports Male Circumcision

Circumcision has a wide array of potential benefits over the lifetime of males, and relatively few risks. Up to one in three males worldwide, if not circumcised, may suffer a medical condition caused by their foreskin [1–3]. In contrast, the risks of the procedure itself are less than 1% in infancy and less than 5% in older children and adults. The benefits have been calculated by some, to exceed risks by over 100 to one [1–3]. Figure 19.1 illustrates why the foreskin represents a risk to health.