[This is a follow-up on the question from my supporter whom I replied to. This is a short history of why circumcision became a big thing in America but it is much rarer in Britain and Europe, and we in Africa follow the European practices. Jan]
# Why Circumcision Is So Common in America – But Not in Europe
One thing that surprised me when speaking to American men was just how common circumcision is in the United States. Growing up outside America, I had always assumed it was mainly a religious practice. It turns out that the United States is a major exception among Western countries.
In most of Europe, routine circumcision of baby boys is uncommon. Unless a person belongs to a Jewish or Muslim community, or later develops a medical condition that requires surgery, most European men remain uncircumcised throughout their lives.
The United States, however, followed a very different path.
Circumcision Rates
The differences between countries are striking.
United States
Estimated circumcision rate: Around 75–80% of adult men
Main reason: Historical medical practice, social norms and perceived hygiene benefits.
United Kingdom
Estimated circumcision rate: Around 15–20% of men
Main reason: Mostly religious communities and medically necessary procedures.
France
Estimated circumcision rate: Around 14% of men
Main reason: Primarily religious or medical reasons.
Germany
Estimated circumcision rate: Around 7–15% of men
Main reason: Mostly religious or medically necessary procedures.
Today, approximately 55–60% of newborn boys in the United States are still circumcised, although that figure has been gradually declining over recent years.
Today, approximately 55–60% of newborn boys in the United States are still circumcised, although that figure has been gradually declining over recent years.
## How America Took a Different Path
The reason America differs so much from Europe lies in a historical split that occurred during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
During this period, many American doctors promoted circumcision as a preventive health measure. It was believed to reduce urinary tract infections, improve hygiene, and, according to some now-discredited theories of the time, even discourage masturbation and various other illnesses.
As hospitals increasingly adopted the procedure, circumcision gradually became part of normal newborn care. Over time it evolved into a cultural tradition rather than simply a medical recommendation.
Many families chose circumcision because it had become the accepted norm. Fathers often wanted their sons to look like them, and generations grew up assuming it was simply what everyone did.
## Europe Chose a Different Philosophy
After the Second World War, Europe moved in another direction.
Countries such as the United Kingdom established publicly funded healthcare systems, including the NHS in 1948. As medical authorities reviewed the available evidence, many concluded that routine circumcision of healthy infants did not provide enough overall benefit to justify performing surgery on babies who had no medical problem.
As a result, public healthcare systems generally stopped funding routine circumcision except when there was a clear medical need or a religious reason.
Once this happened, circumcision rates among the general population fell dramatically and have remained low ever since.
## Two Different Medical Philosophies
The difference between America and Europe is not simply about medicine—it also reflects different medical philosophies.
In much of Europe, the foreskin is regarded as a normal, healthy part of the body. Surgery is generally considered appropriate only if a medical condition develops later in life, such as severe phimosis or another clinical problem.
Historically, American medicine has tended to view circumcision as a simple preventive procedure that may offer hygiene or health benefits. While opinions among medical professionals have evolved over time, this preventive approach helped establish circumcision as a cultural norm in the United States.
## A Cultural Difference
Today, circumcision in America is often influenced by family tradition, social expectations and historical medical practice, whereas in Europe it is usually limited to religious communities or genuine medical necessity.
Neither approach developed overnight. They are the result of different historical decisions made by medical professionals, healthcare systems and societies over many decades.
For many people outside the United States, it comes as a surprise to discover just how widespread circumcision remains in America. Likewise, many Americans are surprised to learn that the overwhelming majority of men in Europe are not circumcised.
The contrast serves as an interesting example of how medical practices can become deeply rooted in one society while remaining uncommon in another, even among countries with similarly advanced healthcare systems.
