Circumcision Prevents HIV

I read in the news this morning that the Philippines is among the countries worldwide that has the least number of AIDS/HIV cases because the Filipino society practices circumcision among males. Experts say, circumcision reduces transmission of HIV. It used to be a medical enigma why we practice circumcision. There was a time when its medical purpose was questioned and was solely referred to as a cultural practice (especially among Jews, Catholics, and even Muslims). Now, it is widely accepted that circumcision can prevent AIDS among males and females alike!

So perhaps a circumcised penis should be one of the qualifications for a husband among the females!


But how does the removal of the foreskin of the penis a "saving grace" against HIV? According to a website called About.Com, recent studies have proven conclusively that uncircumcised men are at a much greater risk of becoming infected with HIV than men who are circumcised. In some studies, infection rate was 50 percent less in circumcised men.

According to experts,

"The inner surface of the foreskin has a very high concentration of cells containing HIV receptors that act has a portal into the body when exposed to HIV-infected bodily fluids such as semen.

the foreskin traps HIV in a moist environment near the surface of the penis, allowing the HIV to live longer

small foreskin tears that may occur during intercourse provide an entryway for the virus." (About.com)

However, this should not give the circumcised male some false sense of security. A circumcised penis does not entirely prevent the transmission of HIV. It can only reduce but the circumcised male is still prone to getting HIV especially if he has sexual contact with a person with HIV.