Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. Boys are born with a piece of skin, called the foreskin, that covers the head (also called the glans) of the penis. During a circumcision, the foreskin is surgically removed, exposing the tip of the penis.

Approximately 55% to 65% of all newborn boys are circumcised in the United States each year, though this rate varies by region (western states have the lowest rates and the north central region has the highest).  It is also a procedure that is currently at the center of controversy.  

What are the reasons for circumcisions? Read more here.