USE OF MALE CIRCUMCISION TO PREVENT HIV INFECTION.

The Use of Male Circumcision
to Prevent HIV Infection.

Effectiveness.

Circumcision does not prevent HIV infection.

The Auvert study in South Africa reported 20 infections in circumcised males.
A study in Kenya reported 22 infections in circumcised males.
Brewer found higher rates of HIV infection in circumcised virgins and adolescents.

The United States has the highest rate of HIV infection and the highest rate of male circumcision in the industrialized world.
Male circumcision, therefore, cannot reasonably be thought to prevent HIV infection.

There are many methods of HIV transmission, including:

·         mother-to-child infection,

·         transfusion of tainted blood,

·         infection with non-sterile needles used in health care,

·         infection by homosexual and heterosexual anal intercourse,

·         infection by needle sharing to inject illegal drugs,

·         traditional African scarring practices,

·         tribal (ritual) circumcision,

·         female circumcision,

·         male-to-female heterosexual transmission, and

·         female-to-male heterosexual transmission.

Social problems.

The introduction of male circumcision into a non-circumcising society may present problems such as:

·         adverse psychological and sexual effects caused by the diminishment and desensitization of the penis,

·         increased antisocial behaviour,

·         violations of human rights,

·         violations of laws that protect children, and

·         inability to discontinue male circumcision when the need for it no longer exists.
 

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http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/info/HIVStatement.html 

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