CIRCLIST - Splash Page

Circumcision of males is one of the oldest known surgical procedures, widely practiced since ancient times. A major initiatory rite of Judaism, circumcision is also practiced by Muslims for whom it signifies spiritual purification. Worldwide, approximately one in three men are circumcised and every year it is estimated that there are about 15 million post-infancy circumcisions performed, making circumcision the most commonly performed surgical procedure. Although its origins are unknown, earliest evidence of the practice dates from ancient Egypt (2300 BC, see the illustration above). By the time of the Roman takeover of Egypt circa 30 BC, it had acquired ritual significance.

Today in North America, throughout the Middle East and Africa, in the Islamic Republics of south-east Asia and parts of Australasia, circumcision is performed routinely on boys from infancy to adolescence. Additionally, many males choose to be circumcised during adulthood.

The CIRCLIST web site is designed to provide factual information about infant, childhood and adult male circumcision. It details the benefits of the procedure and shows how it is performed. Parents are encouraged to use the site as a guide to help them decide what is best for their son. Those considering the procedure for themselves will find here the information they need to take an informed decision regarding circumcision. There is an associated discussion forum designed to allow those who are contemplating the procedure to benefit from the experience of men who are already circumcised.

Additionally, some adult females choose to have the equivalent female procedure performed. The CIRCLIST website includes a brief overview of female circumcision, but is predominantly concerned with male circumcision.

This website contains actual before, during and after photographs of circumcision and the instruments used in circumcision, illustrative drawings and samples of particularly interesting circumcision results. Because circumcision is performed on the human genitals, the site naturally contains images of these areas of the body. Many illustrations are therefore of a graphic medical nature that some may find abhorrent. Minors should only view this information with the permission and under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Please read our Legal Disclaimers before entering the site.

This site is maintained by CIRCLIST, the Internet’s No.1 source of information about circumcision.

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