What Percentage of American Men Are Circumcised?

Current circumcision prevalence in the United States

In the United States, roughly 58% to 66% of adult men are circumcised, based on national survey data and self‑reported newborn circumcision rates from federal and hospital sources. Estimates vary by birth cohort, with higher prevalence among older men and lower rates among younger men as circumcision practices have changed. Regional differences are notable, with higher rates in the Midwest and lower rates in the Western U.S. This overview explains how these figures are measured, how rates have evolved, and what they mean for public health and personal decision‑making.

How circumcision prevalence is measured and reported

Data sources and definitions

Prevalence estimates come from nationally representative surveys, hospital discharge records, and reports from state and local health agencies. Because most circumcisions are performed in the newborn period, official statistics are often expressed as the percentage of male newborns circumcised in a given year or region. When adult prevalence is reported, it is typically inferred from these newborn rates and from direct self‑report in interviews.

• Newborn circumcision rates are reported by the CDC based on hospital data.
• National surveys such as the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) ask men directly about their status.
• Regional health departments may collect facility‑level data for more precise local estimates.

National estimates and U.S. trends

Current national estimates suggest that a majority of American adult males are circumcised, but the share has declined over recent decades. The following table summarizes key metrics and sources commonly cited by public health agencies.

Key reasons behind U.S. circumcision practices

Circumcision rates in the United States have been shaped by a combination of medical guidance, cultural and religious traditions, and parental choice. Historically, newborn boys were commonly circumcised for perceived health benefits and cultural norms. Over time, professional organizations’ recommendations have evolved to reflect a balance of potential benefits, risks, and patient autonomy.

• Cultural and religious traditions (e.g., Jewish and Muslim communities) often include routine infant circumcision.
• Medical associations note potential benefits, such as reduced risk of urinary tract infections in infancy and lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, later in life.
• Risks and considerations include pain, bleeding, infection, and the possibility of rare complications; some parents and adults also cite autonomy and changing social norms when choosing to forgo the procedure.
• In clinical practice, circumcision may be recommended for specific medical conditions, such as recurrent phimosis or paraphimosis.

Geographic and demographic differences in prevalence

Regional, racial, and ethnic differences influence observed circumcision rates, reflecting variation in cultural practices, access to care, and hospital policies. Urban and rural settings can also differ in the availability of providers and in institutional delivery norms.

• Midwestern states typically report higher newborn circumcision rates than Western states.
• Racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. have different prevalence levels; for example, rates are generally higher among non‑Hispanic white and Black newborn males than among some other groups, though data vary by region and year.
• Insurance coverage and hospital type (e.g., academic medical centers vs. community hospitals) can affect access and timing of the procedure.

Health considerations and medical guidance

Potential benefits and risks

Professional organizations emphasize shared decision‑making, presenting both benefits and risks without strong universal mandates. Circumcision can lower the risk of urinary tract infections in the first year of life and may reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, in heterosexual men. However, the absolute magnitude of some of these benefits is modest, and routine newborn circumcision is not recommended as a public health necessity by all agencies.

• Benefits include reduced risk of UTIs in infancy, lower risk of some STIs, and prevention of conditions such as pathological phimosis when medically indicated.
• Risks include procedural pain, bleeding, infection, and rare surgical complications; serious adverse events are uncommon when procedures are performed by trained providers.
• Ethical perspectives vary, with some emphasizing parental choice and others focusing on the child’s future autonomy.
• For adults, circumcision is sometimes performed for recurrent medical problems or personal preference, with benefits and risks comparable to those in older children.

What this means for individuals and parents deciding about circumcision

Because circumcision is common but not universal, decisions about the procedure should be based on reliable, up‑to‑date information and personal values. Parents considering the procedure for their newborn, and adults considering circumcision for medical or personal reasons, can benefit from discussing specific risks, benefits, and local practices with a healthcare provider.

• Consider reliable sources such as the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and local health departments for current data and guidance.
• Discuss both short‑term and long‑term considerations, including pain management, recovery, and how the procedure may affect sexual sensation or function for some individuals.
• Recognize that regional practice patterns and cultural norms can influence availability and timing, so it is helpful to ask providers about their experience and outcomes.