Penile circumcision has been practiced for centuries. It is done for both religious and medical reasons, and is usually done shortly after birth. Penile circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis through a surgical technique. When an boy infant is born, there is a fold of loose skin that covers the end (the glans) of his penis. This fold of skin is what is removed during penile circumcision, and reveals the glans of the penis.