Why do Americans circumcise so much?
Current circumcision incidence and prevalence in the United States is approximately 80% due to support from the country's medical community as a prophylactic health intervention against disease. The continent of Africa, similarly, has widely adopted the practice as a preventive measure against the spread of HIV.
Why do some parents choose to have their infant sons circumcised? One reason why parents circumcise their newborn sons is for health benefits, such as decreased risk of urinary tract infection during the first year of life and decreased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) later in life.
Circumcised men might have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Still, safe sexual practices remain essential. Prevention of penile problems. Occasionally, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis).
Over the 32-year period, the percentage of newborns receiving circumcision at birth decreased 37%, from 63.9% in 1979 to 40.2% in 2010. Most of this decrease occurred in the 1980s, with the rate dropping to 41.0% in 1989. Rates continued to decrease through 2010, with a low of 31.4% in 2003.
The data came from various countries in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. The authors found that the “vast majority of studies” concluded that women prefer circumcised penises. Even in countries where circumcision was not the norm, a majority of women found circumcised men more attractive.
European countries consider newborn circumcision an unnecessary surgical procedure which increases the costs of operating nationalised health systems, whereas in the US, circumcision is generally considered a simple, rapid operation with medical benefits which accrue throughout life.
After the era of basic hygiene, circumcision is not needed unless it's for religious or medical reasons. Mexico is very hygienic, and a Catholic yet highly secular country. So many Mexicans are uncircumcised.
Background. Several studies have shown that compared with circumcised men, uncircumcised men are at higher risk for acquiring some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis,1–3 and lower risk for acquiring genital herpes and genital warts.
Generally, circumcision isn't medically necessary. Parents may decide to have their newborn males circumcised for social, cultural, or religious reasons. There are medical reasons we may recommend circumcision, such as preventing bacteria from getting trapped and lowering the risk of infections.
Christianity and circumcision
In the Old Testament circumcision is clearly defined as a covenant between God and all Jewish males. Circumcision is not laid down as a requirement in the New Testament. Instead, Christians are urged to be "circumcised of the heart" by trusting in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross.
Which religions prefer circumcision?
Religious practice
Male circumcision continues to be almost universally practiced among Jewish people. Islam is the largest religious group to practice male circumcision.
Male circumcision is compulsory for Jews and is commonly practiced among Muslims. When circumcision is performed for religious reasons, it usually symbolises faith in God but it may also be done to promote health and hygiene.
After the era of basic hygiene, circumcision is not needed unless it's for religious or medical reasons. Mexico is very hygienic, and a Catholic yet highly secular country. So many Mexicans are uncircumcised.
It is estimated that the overall rate of circumcision in the United States is approximately 80.5%.
Conclusion: The highest-quality studies suggest that medical male circumcision has no adverse effect on sexual function, sensitivity, sexual sensation, or satisfaction.
