>>21872011Routine male circumcision in the U.S. became customary due to a mix of medical, cultural, and social factors, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Originally, it was practiced by Jewish and Muslim communities for religious reasons, but its broader adoption came later.
In the Victorian era, circumcision gained traction due to beliefs about hygiene and sexuality. Doctors, including Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, promoted it as a way to prevent masturbation, which was then falsely thought to cause physical and mental illnesses. At the same time, circumcision was believed to improve cleanliness and reduce infections, though hygiene practices were generally poor at the time.
By the early 20th century, hospital births became common, and circumcision was integrated into routine neonatal care. Many parents opted for it because it was presented as a standard medical practice. During World War I and II, circumcision was promoted in the military to prevent infections in soldiers, further normalizing it in civilian life.
Health justifications also played a role, with claims that circumcision reduced risks of penile cancer, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections. These perceived benefits reinforced its cultural momentum, making it a norm for generations of parents. Over time, many Americans chose circumcision simply because it was "normal" and expected.
However, criticism of the practice grew in the late 20th century. Studies questioned its necessity and raised ethical concerns about performing it without consent. Activists argued it violated bodily autonomy. While circumcision rates in the U.S. remain higher than in most developed nations, they have declined in recent decades. Globally, routine circumcision is far less common, except in religious contexts or specific regions.
