The First Cut

  Circumcision has been a controversial topic for at least 4000 years. The ancient Greeks disagreed with their Egyptian and Persian neighbours over it - and modern schoolboys still take sides, calling each other Cavaliers and Roundheads. This site does not take a position either for or against the operation, but aims to provide a comprehensive overview of circumcision in all its aspects.

• The workings of the foreskin
• What circumcision involves
• The medical benefits and risks
• Its effect on sex and sexuality
• Circumcision in history and tradition around the world
• It's a boy! A quick guide for new parents

  This study started when a popular magazine commissioned a survey on people's attitudes towards and experiences of circumcision. It was completed with a very extensive review of medical studies on this topic since 1940. It will continue to grow with the addition of interesting new medical results, more illustrations and additional topics.