Lecture Notes

The foreskin, or prepuce, is a loose skin that covers the shaft of the penis and extends to cover the glans penis. The foreskin of a male infant is sometimes surgically removed by a process known as circumcision. As a result of this procedure, the glans penis is left exposed. The reasons for circumcisions are rooted in cultural and religious beliefs more so than any firmly established health principles. There has been much debate in the medical community about the necessity and benefit of this procedure. However, in 2012 the American Academy of Pediatrics, the country's leading pediatric association, released a position statement indicating that the benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risk, and the procedure's benefits justify access to the procedure for families who wish to choose to have it done. Benefits identified were prevention of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and transmission of some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The policy statement is just one factor families should consider when determining to circumcise their newborn son. Beneath the foreskin are several small glands that produce a cheesy substance known as smegma. If smegma accumulates it produces a foul odor that can lead to discomfort and infection. It is important for uncircumcised adult males to observe good hygiene by periodically retracting the skin and washing the glans to remove the smegma.