What is circumcision?

Phimosis can be treated by circumcision which consists of cutting the skin around the glans penis so that it can be pulled back freely.

The penis foreskin is removed in this procedure which leaves the glans penis permanently uncovered. Circumcision is undergone for religious, cultural or medical reasons. According to the WHO in 2006, 30% of all men in the world are circumcised.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Joint UN programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recommended for the first time on March 28, 2007 male circumcision as an additional important intervention which, although does not guarantee total protection, reduces the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual males.