US Medical Term · maternity
Circumcision
Circuncisión
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Circumcision |
| Spanish (Español) | Circuncisión |
| Chinese (中文) | 包皮環切術 |
| Korean (한국어) | 포경수술 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phẫu thuật cắt bao quy đầu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Tuli (circumcision) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Circuncisão |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การขลิบหนังหุ้มปลายอวัยวะเพศชาย |
| Japanese (日本語) | 包皮切除術 |
What it means
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin — the skin that covers the tip of the penis — typically performed on newborn boys within the first few days of life. It is a personal and often cultural or religious decision. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that the health benefits of newborn circumcision outweigh the risks, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend it universally. Potential benefits include reduced risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and some sexually transmitted infections later in life. The procedure is done with local anesthesia. The area heals within 7 to 10 days. Insurance coverage varies by state.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
We haven't decided about circumcision yet — can you explain the benefits and risks before the birth?
Aún no hemos decidido sobre la circuncisión — ¿puede explicarnos los beneficios y riesgos antes del parto?
Does insurance cover newborn circumcision in this hospital?
¿El seguro cubre la circuncisión del recién nacido en este hospital?
How do I care for the circumcision site when we go home?
¿Cómo cuido el área de la circuncisión cuando volvamos a casa?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026