A new study in the journal Pediatrics showing that circumcising infants can protect against cancer of the penis is sure to ignite more debate over the procedure.
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the penis.
Historically performed for religious purposes, circumcision is now done for many other reasons, mainly cosmetic. Because it is an elective procedure, there is much disagreement on whether it should be performed routinely. Research has shown that circumcision provides some health benefits to males throughout their lives. It has previously been found to protect against urinary tract infections. Studies have also shown that circumcised men have a lower risk for contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases.