Circumcision: May Be Beneficial to Health and Future Partners

A circumcision is when the foreskin that covers the head of an un-erect penis is removed. There has been much debate over whether a child should have a circumcision, which is usually done a day or two after birth. Reasons for a circumcision can often be for religious beliefs, family tradition, personal hygiene, future preventive health issues, or just a matter of personal preference.

Studies have now shown that being circumcised may be beneficial to a man's health and their future partners.

HPV and Future Female Partners
Studies have shown that there may be a link between an HIV-negative man that has been circumcised, and a decreased risk of giving his HIV-negative female partner the HPV virus. The HPV virus has been linked to cervical cancer and warts. Dr. Wawer and colleagues at John's Hopkins University reported their findings in the Lancet Medical Journal.

Circumcision and Sexual Diseases
Studies have shown that a man who has been circumcised may have a lower risk of getting HIV, herpes, simplex virus-2, HPV, and genital ulcers in men. This also puts their female partner at a reduced risk for getting bacterial vaginosis, genital ulcer disease, and trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women.

Circumcision and HIV
Scientists believe that having a circumcision may prevent men from getting HIV. The tissue of the foreskin has a large number of target cells for HIV infection. The foreskin is susceptible to tearing during intercourse. This can leave an entryway for the virus.

Although a circumcision may be one step in helping to reduce the risk of getting HIV, wearing a condom and practicing safe sex methods should always be a factor before having intercourse.

Circumcision and Urinary Tract Infections
A man is at a much lower risk of getting urinary tract infections, but studies have shown that urinary tract infections are more common in uncircumcised men. If a man has a lot severe infections when he is younger, it could cause kidney problems later in life.

Circumcision and Penile Cancer
Cancer of the penis is quite rare, but has been found to be less common in circumcised men. Studies have shown there may be a link between the HPV virus and penile cancer. Just as cervical cancer is not as common in a female who has had circumcised men for sexual partners.

For more information on the health benefits of a circumcision go to: www.circinfo.net, www.webmd.com, www.nih.gov, or www.mayoclinic.com.