Circumcision in men is the surgical removal of all or part of the foreskin, the sleeve of skin and tissue covering the glans (head) of the penis. In women the term circumcision refers primarily to removal of the clitoral foreskin.
Male Circumcision: Circumcision is a tradition to most boys ages 5-12 in some countries, while in other countries it is an obligatory religious rite (Muslims, Jews, some Asian and Africans). In continental Europe about 80% of the population does not practiced circumcision.
Female Circumcision: The origin of the various forms of female circumcision is not known. Clitoridectomy (all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia) was performed in England and the United States from the 1860’s to about 1920 to treat what were considered “emotional” problems of women. It is seldom performed today except for advanced cancer or extreme enlargement of the clitoris. Female circumcision is sometimes practiced in some countries to attempt to enhance orgasmic response.
History of Circumcision: During the ancient time circumcision of males was performed originally with flint knives (very hard and durable form of quartz) prior to the use of metal. The earliest artifacts from Egypt are dated at about 4000 B.C., centuries before its adoption by the ancient Hebrews. In traditional Judaism circumcision represents a covenant between God and Abraham. Early Christian rejected the practice. Although the word does not appear in the Koran, circumcision was practiced among Arabs in pre-Islamic times.
Health Benefits of Circumcision: Originally there is no health claims were attributed to circumcision but years later the Ancient Greeks suggested that the practice might have hygienic benefits (although it was not practiced by the Greeks). In the late 19th century till the middle of the 20th century, circumcision was seen in some English-speaking countries as a remedy to stop masturbation, which was thought to cause many illnesses.
Today, very few people practice circumcision in Britain, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. But in some countries infant and young boys are still circumcised in spite of authoritative medical opposition to the practice. Most physicians claim that circumcision is important for penile hygiene (it is easier to keep circumcised penis clean than the intact one), that it prevents venereal disease and premature ejaculation and that smegma (natural substance composed of dead skin cells, normal flora, and secretions containing the natural antibacterial agent) is a carcinogen, causing cancer of the penis, prostate, cervical cancer in partners.