Question

There is a causal relationship between male circumcision and decreased HIV infection? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the fore skin covering the penis.Usually this surgery is commonly perfromed among the new born babies and in some relegions as a part of their faith.In some of the countries circumcision is performed as a part of culture, belief , hygiene need etc.

Though, this procedure was performed in many part of the world as a part of culture, relegion etc, some of the recent research studies shows that there is a causal relationship between male circumcision and decreased HIV infection. The various study results indicate that there is apporximately 60% of reduction of HIV transmission among those mens who underwent circumcision procedure. Various research studies are being carried out on the basis of this findings.

Based up on the information collected from research scholors and study participants, it is believed that, the structure of the foreskin is very thin and delicate, hence there is a high chance for developing injuries during the sexual contact. Especially in a hetrosexual relation ship. Apart from that, since, the foreskin is thin and it has many skin foldings, the chances of body secretions and viruses can easily dry up on that, and occupy the area. And during the un protected sexual relationship, the chance of virus to enter the body is very high.

The male circumcision not only reduce the risk of HIV, it also reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted disease, herpes simplex virus, other bacterial infections of the reproductive tract etc. As per the studies of major researchers and WHO among the men, the common way of infection of HIV is through the unprotected relation ship. As per the study findings, and anatomical considerations it concluded that, the inner surface of the foreskin contains specialized cells called Langerhans' cells which contains with HIV receptors. And  these cells are the primary point of HIV viral entry into the mans genital organs. Hence circumcision helps to remove these skin cells along with receptors and thus reduces the risk of HIV infection. In many part of the countires, now circumcision is considered as HIV preventive measures along with other methods.