From trepanation, the process of drilling a hole in one’s skull to release evil spirits, to cataract surgery, a number of ancient medical practices are still performed today. Among the most common and disputed of these lingering procedures: circumcision.
While the procedure has evolved over time, and can vary widely from one culture to another, the fundamental steps have remained the same: a medical professional or spiritual healer uses a sharp object to remove the bit of skin that covers the tip of the penis.
Circumcision seldom takes more than ten minutes to perform, yet its consequences stay with recipients until the end of their lives. A circumcision can influence the way in which people perform basic bodily functions like urinating, and often plays an important role in their private life as well.
