Why do some boys and men want to circumcise themselves?

Some boys are circumcised for religious reasons, for example if you are Jewish. Most Muslims support circumcision, but for them it is mainly hygienic; it is not a religious requirement. Most other religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism do not practice circumcision as a religious rite.

While the vast majority of the world's men are uncircumcised, circumcision became a cultural practice in a few countries, for example the United States. Circumcision became popular in the late 19th century as a method to keep young boys from masturbating. Gradually, the practice of routine infant circumcision became widespread in the United States. However, circumcision rates have been declining in the United States for a number of reasons. Among them are that circumcision is virtually never medically indicated at birth, and the long-term medical benefits are modest; the conditions it tends to protect against are infrequent to begin with. Circumcision can decrease the sensitivity of the penis during sexual activity, and there are various other problems and deformities of the penis that have been clearly associated with the procedure. In terms of cost-benefit analysis, more and more experts are viewing routine circumcision that is not medically indicated as a practice that should stop.

Doctors no longer recommend routine infant circumcision, and as a result the rate of circumcision in the United States is falling. In the 1980s up to 80% of newborn males were circumcised. By 2007, less than 40% of newborn males were circumcised.