Health benefits for circumcision

[anthromasks]

Interest in newborn circumcision has increased in recent years because three large randomized trials in Africa have shown that, in adult men, the procedure reduces the risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.  There are also studies that the same is true for urinary track infections.  Many in the medical profession however think more studies need to be done. 

[To-Fu]

Originally Posted by anthromasks 

Interest in newborn circumcision has increased in recent years because three large randomized trials in Africa have shown that, in adult men, the procedure reduces the risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.  There are also studies that the same is true for urinary track infections.  Many in the medical profession however think more studies need to be done. 

Hi there,

Can you tell us a little bit more about the type of conversation you hope to generate with this thread?  Just to give you some context in case you didn't catch it on your way in, this forum is The Case Against Circumcision.  Any posts made here should not encourage routine infant circumcision. 

--To-Fu

TCAC Moderator

[McGucks]

I sure would be interested in seeing a link to these studies.

Also, anthromasks, it's urinary tract infection.  Not track.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Yes there has been studies done that appear to show benefit but there have also been studies that refute those claims.

[Greg B]

Two key points:

1) An intact man and a circ'd man have to do the exact same safe sex practices in order to be protected from aquiring HIV.  They both need to wear condoms, etc.  The only advantage a circumcised man has is if he chooses not to practice safe sex, or his condom breaks, he is a little less likely, on any given occassion, to aquire HIV.  If he does it enough, he will still get HIV.  But he has lost the most important part of his sexual anatomy for that questionable benefit.

2)  An intact male will have far fewer UTIs than any female.  And his UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, just like in females.  There is no more need to amputate healthy, valuable body parts in guys to protect against UTIs, than there is for women.

Regards