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Circumcision reduces the sexual tranmission of HIV, herpes, and HPV
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An article published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine provides more information about the potential role of male circumcision in the global control of sexually transmitted diseases. More than 5,000 uncircumcised men in Uganda were enrolled to study the effectiveness of circumcision in reducing transmission of genital herpes (HSV-2) and the genital wart virus (HPV, or human papilloma virus).
The results? Circumcision reduced the risk of acquiring herpes by 25% and of acquiring the genital wart virus (HPV) by 35% (there was no reduction in the transmission of syphilis). Three previous studies have also demonstrated that male circumcision also reduces the risk of HIV acquisition by 50 to 60%.
These three sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, HPV, and HSV, are significant health problems everywhere in the world, including the United States. HPV causes genital warts, cervical cancer, and anal cancer. Herpes infections are painful, increase the risk of acquiring HIV, and for the almost 3,000 babies born to a mother during a herpes outbreak this virus can cause serious health problems or even be fatal.
Circumcision may have more of a health impact in countries with the highest incidence of HIV; however, the benefits should be considered for all men. The commentary accompanying the article pointed out in the United States male circumcision is lowest among African-American and Hispanic men, groups with disproportionately higher rates of HIV, herpes, and cervical cancer. Medicaid also does not pay for routine male circumcision in 16 states, limiting the ability of economically disadvantaged families to even consider circumcision at birth.
The decision to be circumcised, as with any health care decision, is personal. But it is important to remember preventing the spread of viral sexually transmitted diseases is difficult, and while condoms help they are not 100% effective. HIV, herpes, and HPV are health epidemics and the effect of circumcision in reducing these infections should be weighed by every family considering circumcision for their newborn.
For more info: www.cdc.gov/STD/
Remember, the information in this column does not constitute individual medical advice .jpg)
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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