How Common is Circumcision in the U.S.?

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How Common is Circumcision in the U.S.?

Circumcision is a procedure often performed on newborn baby boys to remove the foreskin, which is the skin covering the end of the penis. While it is an elective procedure that is not medically necessary, it is performed on most males in the United States. Sixty percent of newborn males are circumcised. Rates of circumcision are highest in the Northeast and Midwest. 

However, newborn circumcision is not as popular as it once was. Rates in the United States have declined significantly over the past few decades. Generally, a baby boy is more likely to be circumcised if the father is circumcised. 

Circumcision is done for several main reasons:

• Religion/cultural practice. The Jewish and Muslim religions are more likely to choose circumcision. 
• Cleanliness. No foreskin needs to be pulled back, making the penis easier to clean so that bacteria is less likely to grow.
• Health reasons. Circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and urinary tract infections. 
• Appearance. Some parents think that a circumcised penis looks better and will be more attractive to future partners.

Cosmetic Circumcision

Circumcision can be done later in life. While it can be performed at any age, it becomes more complicated. It will take longer and a sedative will be required, as it is painful. 

Many men are circumcised later in life for health reasons. They may develop infections such as balanitis and balanoposthitis, which refer to inflammation of the head of the penis. They could also develop phimosis and paraphimosis, which are problems with the foreskin retracting properly.

However, there are also cases where circumcision is done for cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic circumcision is helpful for those who may have skin blemishes, a prior sexually transmitted disease, scarring of the penis, scarring of the foreskin, prior penile surgery, or a congenital abnormality of the penis. All these situations can affect the appearance of your penis. 

A cosmetic circumcision can fix these issues. One of the main benefits is that the penis maintains its natural image. The surgical scar is less visible and there is not as much a sharp transition in skin color at the site of incision. There is also less chance of penile hyposensitivity after a cosmetic circumcision, which is important for many men, since there are complaints about a lack of sexual sensitivity after a traditional circumcision. 

At Lazare Urology, we use various techniques to help you achieve an especially pleasing penis. For example, we:

• Remove just the right amount of foreskin 
• Correct treatment of the frenulum
• Remove of any associated scars or blemishes

Contact Us Today

While circumcision is most commonly performed on newborns, a man of any age can have one done if they have concerns about the appearance of their penis.

Whether you desire circumcision for cosmetic or medical reasons, a New York doctor from Lazare Urology can assist you. Circumcision comes with minimal risks and can help you boost your self-esteem. Schedule a consultation to learn more. Call our office at (718) 369-3300 or fill out the online form. We serve the Brooklyn area.