Circumcision May Lower Risks of STDs

March 26, 2009 - 12:10 pm By Laura - St. John's

dgboxerbriefsAs we all know from our high school sex ed classes–and some of you from experience– it’s a basic fact that some guys are circumcised, while others aren’t.  It’s been long debated whether or not it makes too much difference in terms of sensation for guys, and for girls, whether they prefer a circumcised or uncircumcised dude is simply a matter of personal preference (and some don’t care either way).

For years, circumcision was performed not only because of certain religious beliefs, but also the idea that circumcision was more hygienic and lowered health risks.  Then, in 1999, the American Medical Association claimed it was medically unnecessary.

However, this may not be as true as once believed.  A new study has found that male circumcision can actually lower guys’ risk of getting certain STDs.  The study states that circumcision lowers the risk of HPV (human papillomavirus) by 35 percent and herpes by 28 percent.  Furthermore, the study confirmed a previous study that said circumcision lowers AIDS risk by 60 percent.

Based on the study’s findings, the researchers who conducted it believe that circumcision should be used to reduce sexually transmitted infections.  Luckily for us, 79% of men in the U.S. have had that taken care of, as opposed to 30% worldwide.

However, just because the results of this study show that STD risks can be lowered by circumcision, it’s important to understand that there is still a risk of getting STDs from any sort of unprotected sexual activity.  So even if your man is circumcised, wrap it up!

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6 Comments on "Circumcision May Lower Risks of STDs"

  1. hanabira says:
    Thu, 26th Mar 20092:34 pm 

    although interesting those facts may be quite dangerous if taken to heart by the foolish… it might lessen your chances of contracting something on a one off, but with the amount of partners that a person can have that doesnt mean very much. condoms and/or monogamy (with accompanied tests beforehand) definitely seem the safest way to go.

    the HIV stat looks very impressive until you put into perspective how rife it is in african countries where the majority of men are circumsized- so clearly not that effective!

  2. Kim says:
    Thu, 26th Mar 20099:29 pm 

    Are girls really repulsed by uncircumsized penises like is commonly believed. If the dude is clean and there are no hygiene issues what the hell is the big deal. Can someone explain their preferences and why?

  3. Vivid Hallucinations says:
    Fri, 27th Mar 20094:49 am 

    Speaking as a guy, I want to keep everything I was born with, and I am happy that my parents being from Europe decided it would not be required.

    If males are to be circumcised, thereby removing part of the penis, would that make it right to cut away parts of the labia, clitoral hood and clitoris? You are taking away something that was there for a reason.

    These studies keep being repeated and each time a different answer is found. Also, why are these studies being run in Uganda? How were the amount of partners tracked? Was there any significant difference between the amount of sex someone with an uncircumcised penis vs one that was circumcised? Hygiene of the various people? They mentioned that some of them were required to get circumcisions and others got it two years later, how did that change the amount of sex they were having? The partners they chose? Maybe it is more comfortable to have sex for longer periods of time with an uncircumcised penis, thus increasing the risk of infection through the urinary tract?

    Not only that, but how does a study in Uganda relate to the United States? We are readily able to get access to various tests to find out if our partners are STD free, we also can get cheap condoms.

    Just use a condom, that way you don’t have to worry as much about STD’s, much safer than cutting off a piece of skin. It is surgery, the less surgery the better. The whole practice of doing it to a new-born infant is despicable. If later on in life the male decides to get the procedure done, so be it.

  4. Paul says:
    Sat, 28th Mar 20099:45 am 

    “Luckily for us, 79% of men in the U.S. have had that taken care of, as opposed to 30% worldwide.”

    Isn’t strange then how the USA has the highest rates of STDS in the developed world? Circumcision is obviously bulls–t. Some people have an interest in keeping the useless procedure going. His body = His choice.

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