Circumcision, defined as the removal of foreskin from the penis, is among the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. In 2010, individuals with penises between the ages of 14 and 59 years in the United States were surveyed. The overall prevalence of circumcision in this cohort was approximately 80%. Most of these circumcisions occurred in the newborn period. There is significant variation in the rate of circumcision in the United States. Non-Hispanic white Americans have a circumcision rate of 91%, higher than non-Hispanic Black Americans (76%) and Mexican Americans (44%). The prevalence of circumcision in other countries of the world varies significantly, from less than 5% to more than 90%. In general, countries with larger Muslim or Jewish populations had higher rates of circumcision.
Most circumcisions are performed in the neonatal period, before 1 month of age. Parents often choose for a circumcision to be performed in...
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