Publisher's Note The first book to explain the controversial operation that has lobby groups around the world involved in an emotional debate. What does the operation involve? What are the benefits and drawbacks? What are the rates of circumcision in different parts of the world? Why do parents want their boys circumcised? What are the various methods of circumcision? How painful is it? What does it cost? How are physical problems and diseases alleviated or prevented and general hygiene improved by circumcision? What is the effect on sex? A brief history of the circumcision debate looks at why foreskin removal became a custom and what is behind the anti-circumcision lobby, and the author engages with the arguments against the operation.