AIDS & HIV > Male Circumcision

Male Circumcision

Male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection

Male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%. WHO and UNAIDS recommendations emphasize that male circumcision should be considered an efficacious intervention for HIV prevention in regions with heterosexual epidemics.

What is male circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure during which all or part of the foreskin is removed by making a cut around the head of the penis.
The procedure is often performed to a newborn baby, but it can be done on males of any age.

Male circumcision may be used as AIDS - HIV infection prevention (procedure photo)

Male circumcision procedure photo (credits: Wikipedia)

Efficiency of male circumcision as HIV transmission prevention method

Male circumcision provides only partial protection. Circumcision should not be viewed as a substitute for safer sex methods. A complex approach should include other methods as well:

  • HIV testing and counseling services.
  • Treatment for sexually transmitted infections / diseases (STI, STD).
  • Information campaign about safer sex practices.
  • The provision of male and female condoms (femidoms) and promotion of their correct and regular use.

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