Circumcision is a minor surgical procedure in which the preputium (the part of the skin that covers the tip of the penis) is removed. Circumcision is most often performed as part of religious rituals. As for its medical significance, the men that have circumcision done can more easily maintain proper hygiene.


The preputium covers the glans of the penis and the normal skin cells might collect between the preputium and the penis. The preputium might also prevent an adequate hygienic regimen in case of genital infection, which increases the risk of getting infected.


However, if proper hygiene is maintained there is no difference in the chances between circumcised and uncircumcised men for transmitting genital infections.