Adult Circumcision reduces HIV rate, not pleasure
Adult circumcision reduces risk of HIV transmission without reducing sexual
pleasure
April 26th, 2009
Two studies presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American
Urological Association (AUA) show that adult circumcision reduces the risk of
contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the risk of coital
injury—without reducing pleasure or causing sexual dysfunction.
The first study, by researchers in Australia, shows that the inner foreskin has
the largest concentration of Langerhans’ cells, which are the initial cellular
targets in the sexual transmission of HIV. After analyzing biopsy samples from
10 uncircumcised and 10 circumcised men, researchers found that the inner
foreskin has a significantly higher density of Langerhans’ cells than other
areas of the foreskin. By removing the inner foreskin, circumcision removes the
skin surface which is most susceptible to HIV infection, reducing not
eliminating the risk of contracting HIV. No differences were found in epithelial
or keratin thickness between the remnant foreskin, inner foreskin or shaft skin.
The second study, by researchers in Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Winnepeg, Canada;
Research Triangle, NC; and Kisumu, Kenya, shows that circumcised men had a
significantly lower risk for coital injuries (bleeding, scratches, cuts,
abrasions or “getting sore”) compared to uncircumcised men and that there was no
difference in sexual function between circumcised and uncircumcised men.
Researchers divided 2,784 patients from Kisumu, Kenya into two groups: a control
group and a group to be circumcised within 30 days of randomization. Detailed
evaluations were done at one, three, six, 12, 18 and 24 months after
circumcision. Results show that there was no difference in sexual function
between the two groups and that the circumcised group reported fewer coital
injuries.
“These are important reports which support the concepts that circumcision does
not interfere with sexual function and that circumcision is an important element
of HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Ira D. Sharlip, MD, an AUA
spokesman. “At the same time, it should be emphasized that circumcision must be
combined with other techniques of HIV prevention, such as safe sex and voluntary
testing. It is not sufficient to rely on circumcision alone to prevent HIV
transmission.”
Source: American Urological Association
courtesy of Joshua, unashamedlyprocirc