Circumcision: Procedure, Methods, Recovery and Risks
Updated: 2 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer: What is circumcision?
Circumcision is surgery to remove the foreskin, the skin that covers the head of the penis. It's most often done within the first days after birth, but older children and adults can have it too. It takes 20 minutes. Newborns heal within 10 days and adults within two to three weeks, and fewer than 3% of circumcisions have complications.
What the research says
Complications are uncommon and more likely when circumcision is done for a medical problem. A meta-analysis of 351 studies covering more than 4 million participants found an overall complication rate of 3.84%. The rate was 7.47% when circumcision was done to treat a condition, compared with 3.34% when it was done for other reasons. (Shabanzadeh et al., Urology, 2021) [2]
Newborn circumcision devices are similarly safe overall, with some differences. A network meta-analysis of 10 trials with 3,984 infants found no device had more total adverse events than the Gomco clamp, but the Plastibell device carried a higher risk of infection (risk ratio 4.25), and the Mogen clamp was about 3.3 minutes faster. (Alansari et al., International Brazilian Journal of Urology, 2026) [3]
Key takeaways
Circumcision removes the foreskin of the penis and is usually done within 48 hours of birth. [1]
Major medical groups say the benefits outweigh the risks, but they leave the decision to parents. [1]
The Gomco clamp is the most common method; the Mogen clamp and Plastibell device are alternatives. [1]
Babies usually heal within 10 days, while adults need two to three weeks and sometimes up to six. [1]
Fewer than 3% of circumcisions have complications. [1]
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the skin covering the glans (head) of the penis. It is a short procedure that is usually done soon after birth. Older children and adults can also have it, although this is less common. [1]
More than 70% of males in the United States are circumcised, compared with about 33% worldwide. Rates are highest in the United States, the Middle East and South Korea. Circumcision is also part of Jewish and Muslim religious practice. [1]
Why is circumcision done?
Several major medical groups, including the American Urological Association (AUA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), say the benefits of newborn circumcision outweigh the risks. Neither group explicitly recommends it, so the decision is left to parents. [1]
Benefits of circumcision
Easier cleaning, especially in children [1]
Lower risk of phimosis, paraphimosis, balanitis and other foreskin infections [1]
Lower risk of urinary tract infections [1]
Lower risk of penile cancer and some sexually transmitted infections [1]
Lower risk of cervical cancer in female sexual partners [1]
There is no evidence that circumcision reduces sensitivity or affects fertility. [1]
Who should delay circumcision?
Circumcision may be delayed or avoided in babies who are born early, have other medical concerns or have a penile problem that may need the foreskin for a later surgical repair. [1]
What are the types of circumcision?
The three most common circumcision techniques.
Method | How it works | Notes |
Gomco clamp | Separates the foreskin, protects the glans and helps stop bleeding before a scalpel removes the foreskin | Most common method |
Mogen clamp | A scissor- or pliers-like clamp exposes the glans, then a scalpel removes the foreskin | Slightly faster in trials [3] |
Plastibell device | A plastic ring sits under the foreskin, a string is tied and the excess is removed; the ring falls off in about a week | Less common because of higher infection risk |
Sources: [1] [3]
How do you prepare for circumcision?
Most newborns are circumcised in the hospital within the first week, usually within 48 hours of birth. Doing it early is better, because delay can raise the risk. In a Jewish bris (brit milah), a mohel performs it when the baby is 8 days old. [1]
Older children and adults have a health history review and a physical exam first. Tell your provider about all medicines, because NSAIDs and blood thinners raise bleeding risk, and about any allergies to medicines, latex or skin cleaners such as iodine or alcohol. [1]
What happens during circumcision?
Newborns receive numbing cream or an injection, and sometimes acetaminophen. [1]
The baby lies on their back with arms and legs gently held in place. [1]
The penis is cleaned and the foreskin is separated from the glans. [1]
A scalpel removes the foreskin, usually with the help of a clamp or ring. [1]
Newborns need no stitches. Older patients may have dissolvable stitches or cautery to stop bleeding. [1]
The procedure takes about 20 minutes. A bris is often shorter, and procedures take slightly longer for older patients. [1] Urologists, obstetricians, pediatricians and trained advanced practice providers perform circumcision in hospitals. [1]
How do you care for a circumcision?
Keep the area clean and dry. Wash gently with warm water and soap using a sponge or washcloth, then pat dry. [1]
Avoid full baths for at least two days. [1]
Apply petroleum jelly at every diaper change and gently clean away any stool. [1]
Use pain relief your provider recommends, including frequent breastfeeding or infant medicine. [1]
Avoid straddle toys, jumpers, swings and lying the baby on their stomach. [1]
How long does circumcision take to heal?
Recovery time differs between infants and adults.
Group | Typical healing time | What to know |
Babies | Usually within 10 days | Swelling, redness and a yellow film at the tip are normal |
Children | A few days before daycare or school | Keep the area clean and protected |
Older children and adults | Two to three weeks, up to six | Take at least one week off school or work |
Adults: sexual activity | At least four to six weeks | No sex or masturbation until fully healed |
Sources: [1]
What are the risks of circumcision?
Circumcision is very successful, and fewer than 3% have any complications, though one large review that included older children and adults found about 4%. [1] Research shows complications are more common when circumcision is done to treat a condition rather than for other reasons. [2]
Risk | What it means |
Bleeding | The most common early problem |
Infection | Redness, swelling or foul-smelling pus |
Pain | Reduced with numbing medicine and pain relief |
Too much or too little skin removed | May affect appearance |
Meatal stenosis or meatitis | Narrowing or irritation of the urine opening |
Penile adhesion | Rare; may need a circumcision revision |
Sources: [1]
Learn more about meatal stenosis and when a circumcision revision is needed.
When should you call a doctor after circumcision?
Warning signs that need a call to the provider.
Fever over 100°F (37.8°C) [1]
Frequent bleeding or bleeding that won't stop [1]
Chills [1]
Pus with a foul smell around the wound [1]
No urination within 12 hours of the procedure [1]
Conclusion
Circumcision removes the foreskin of the penis and is most often done shortly after birth. It takes about 20 minutes, has a very high success rate and usually heals within 10 days in babies and two to three weeks in adults. [1]
Medical groups say the benefits outweigh the risks but leave the choice to families. Talk to your provider about the method, pain relief and aftercare, and call them right away for fever, ongoing bleeding or no urination. [1]
Keep learning: Read our circumcision revision guide to learn how problems after circumcision are corrected.
Frequently asked questions
What is circumcision?
It is surgery to remove the foreskin, the skin that covers the head of the penis.
When is circumcision usually done?
Most newborns are circumcised within the first week, usually within 48 hours of birth.
How long does circumcision take?
The procedure takes about 20 minutes, a little longer for older patients.
Does circumcision hurt?
Numbing cream or an injection and pain medicine greatly reduce pain during and after the procedure.
What are the benefits of circumcision?
It makes cleaning easier and lowers the risk of some infections, urinary tract infections and penile cancer.
What is the most common circumcision method?
The Gomco clamp is the most common. The Mogen clamp and Plastibell device are alternatives.
How long does it take to heal?
Babies usually heal within 10 days. Adults need two to three weeks, sometimes up to six.
What does normal healing look like?
Swelling, redness and a yellow film at the tip of the penis are normal in babies.
What are the risks of circumcision?
Risks include bleeding, infection, pain, meatal stenosis and removing too much or too little skin. Under 3% have complications.
When should I call a doctor after circumcision?
Call for fever over 100°F (37.8°C), bleeding that won't stop, chills, foul-smelling pus or no urine within 12 hours.
How do I prepare for circumcision?
Most newborns are circumcised in the hospital within the first week, usually within 48 hours of birth, because delay can raise the risk [1]. Older children and adults have a health history review and physical exam first and should mention all medicines, since NSAIDs and blood thinners raise bleeding risk, and any allergies to medicines, latex or skin cleaners [1].
Related Reading
Circumcision Revision: Why It's Done, Surgery, Recovery and Risks explains how problems after circumcision are corrected.
What Is Balanitis? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment covers the foreskin inflammation that circumcision helps prevent.
Understanding Meatal Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment describes narrowing of the urine opening, a possible complication.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention reviews urinary tract infections and how to prevent them.
HPV Infection: What It Is, the Four Types of Warts, and How It Is Treated explains HPV, one of the infections linked to cervical cancer.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Circumcision: Procedure, Benefits, Risks & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated January 31, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/circumcision
Shabanzadeh DM, Clausen S, Maigaard K, et al. Male Circumcision Complications - A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression. Urology. 2021;152:25-34. PMID 33545206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2021.01.041
Alansari AN, Mahmoud MA, Joya HU, et al. Safety, Complications, and Procedural Efficiency of Neonatal Circumcision Devices: A Network Meta-Analysis. Int Braz J Urol. 2026;52(4). PMID 42119076. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2026.0167
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
Comments