Circumcision

Is a Circumcision safe?

Circumcision is generally a safe surgical procedure if the following conditions are met:

• The circumcision is done with care
• The circumcision is performed by a trained, experienced practitioner

According to BBC news, international experts have backed the use of male circumcision in the prevention of HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS said circumcision should be added to current interventions to reduce the spread of HIV.

Three African trials have shown that circumcision halved the rate of HIV infection in heterosexual men. The recommendations largely apply to countries where rates of heterosexual transmission are high. All three African trials were stopped early because the results were so dramatic - with reduced rates of new HIV infections of 48-60%.

There are several reasons why circumcision may protect against HIV infection.

• Specific cells in the foreskin may be potential targets for HIV infection
• The skin under the foreskin becomes less sensitive and is less likely to bleed reducing risk of infection following circumcision