title: Circumcision. The uniquely American medical enigma.
abstract: Ritual circumcision of males has been practiced for millennia, but was limited to fewer than 20 per cent of the world's population. About a century ago, only the English-speaking countries adopted non-religious circumcision as a prophylactic or therapeutic panacea for myriad ailments. Since these "health" claims are now known to be unsubstantiated, the English-speaking countries either abandoned the practice or reduced the frequency of its performance; the only exception is the United States. This article examines the background for this enigma and suggests solutions.
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002170:Canada; D002944:Circumcision, Male / Q000266:history / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D010413:Penis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012902:Smegma / Q000502:physiology; D014481:United States