Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the skin covering the end of a male penis (known as the foreskin) is removed. This common practice occurs on healthy newborn babies within their first month of life.
Circumcision has several advantages that make it easier to keep the penis clean, helping prevent some penile issues such as balanitis and paraphimosis. Furthermore, circumcision reduces the risk of HIV and syphilis transmission.
Reduces the risk of genital herpes
Circumcision has been proven to be an effective method for decreasing the risk of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). A randomized clinical trial in Kenya revealed that circumcised men experienced a 38% lower HSV-2 rate than their uncircumcised peers.
This was likely due to an improved immune system due to testosterone stimulation and reduced viral loads – particularly from genital herpes. A similar study conducted in Uganda also discovered a lower risk of HIV with circumcision, though not by as much.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major factor in genital herpes and syphilis, as well as oropharyngeal cancer. Studies have demonstrated that vaccination with HPV vaccine can significantly reduce these two sexually transmitted diseases – and serve to protect against cervical cancer too. There are over 200 distinct HPV strains with 37 of them affecting anogenital regions worldwide; several countries, including the United States, offer HPV vaccination programs for young women to protect them
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Reduces the risk of syphilis
Men who have had circumcision have a lower risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus and HPV. Furthermore, they have an decreased chance of contracting cervical cancer.
Furthermore, a major study revealed that circumcision significantly reduces the risk of developing syphilis among HIV-negative couples. This finding is especially pertinent to areas where syphilis is prevalent, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Circumcision can help protect against syphilis, but it doesn’t guarantee complete protection. If you’re pregnant, syphilis could lead to pregnancy complications like stillbirth and neonatal death.
Reduces the risk of HIV
Studies have demonstrated that circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV by 50-60%. It’s one of many strategies being employed in sub-Saharan Africa to slow the spread of this virus.
Studies conducted in the United States have suggested that circumcision may help protect against HIV infections. However, experts caution against making this assumption since circumcision is not a one-size-fits all solution.
Another study demonstrated that men who have recently undergone circumcision may be at an increased risk of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners while healing the wounds. The researchers discovered that viral shedding increased during the initial weeks after circumcision, but then dropped dramatically after that.
Researchers suggest this increased risk of transmitting the virus may be caused by an unexpected side effect of the procedure. A “wet” preputial area attracts and maintains the virus, making it more vulnerable to infection. Furthermore, concurrent STIs and a microbial layer beneath the foreskin also increase susceptibility to infection.
Reduces the risk of cancer of the penis
Circumcision is an effective way to reduce the risk of penile cancer. Additionally, it helps protect you against conditions like phimosis and smegma which may increase your likelihood of developing the disease.
Circumcision can be performed on either an infant or adult, if the doctor deems it necessary. The surgery usually takes place under local anesthetic.penis circumcision adelaide
The procedure begins with medical staff cleansing the penis, numbing it with topical cream or medication, and removing all or part of its foreskin. After this has been done, topical antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly is applied to the head of the penis before wrapping loose gauze around it for protection.
Penile cancer can be caused by several risks, including HPV infection and smoking. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include not using tobacco products, keeping your body healthy, and getting regular medical checkups. You may also want to discuss with your healthcare provider the potential advantages of circumcision with them.