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Circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin — the fold of skin covering the head of the penis. On the NHS, it's only offered for medical reasons, and is usually considered only once other, less invasive treatments haven't worked or aren't suitable.
The procedure is generally carried out as a day case, meaning a hospital stay overnight usually isn't required, with most people able to go home the same day.
The most frequent reason for circumcision is a tight foreskin (phimosis), where it can't be pulled back easily, or causes discomfort when it is — sometimes leading to pain during an erection or difficulty passing urine. Alternative treatments, such as topical steroid creams, are often tried first.
Other reasons circumcision might be considered include recurrent infection of the foreskin or head of the penis (balanitis), certain skin conditions affecting the foreskin, or paraphimosis — where the foreskin can't return to its normal position after being pulled back, causing painful swelling that needs urgent treatment. It's occasionally considered alongside other treatment for penile cancer, or for boys who've had repeated urinary tract infections.
In boys, it's relatively rare for circumcision to be medically necessary, since gentler alternatives are usually available first. If you're considering circumcision for a medical reason, it's worth discussing all the alternative options with your GP or specialist.
Circumcision is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, so you'll be asleep throughout, though it's occasionally done under spinal or local anaesthetic instead — this will be discussed with you beforehand. You'll usually be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before surgery, following instructions from your care team.
During the operation, the foreskin is removed using a scalpel or surgical scissors, and the remaining skin edges are stitched together, typically with dissolvable stitches. The procedure usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and most people are able to go home the same day.
Healing typically takes around 10 days, and some pain or discomfort in the first few days afterwards is normal. Your care team will give you advice on managing this, along with guidance on what to do and what to avoid while you recover — for example, taking things easy and avoiding strenuous activity for a while.
Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or discharge, and contact your GP if you notice any of these, since infection can usually be treated straightforwardly if caught early. As with any operation, complications are uncommon, and your surgical team will explain the possible risks and what to look out for before you go home.
