ĭespite these benefits, there is a concern that male circumcision may decrease male sexual function and satisfaction. In addition, female sexual partners of circumcised men have been shown to have reduced risk of cervical cancer and chlamydial infection.
Circumcised males do not develop phimosis or para-phimosis, and they are at lower risk for balanitis, human papilloma virus infection, and penile cancer.
Neonatal circumcision reduces urinary tract infection rates substantially, and other data suggest that male circumcision is associated with lower rates of STIs. The clinical trials documented acceptable surgery-related adverse event rates, and the World Health Organization now recommends male circumcision as one element of HIV prevention programs. Possible mechanisms by which male circumcision may protect against HIV infection include that circumcised men have more penile cornification, lower rates of penile injury during intercourse, fewer HIV receptors, and lower rates of inflammation and of some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Three randomized clinical trials support epidemiological data showing that adult male circumcision reduces the risk for HIV acquisition in men by 51–76%. Male circumcision is now being promoted in many areas, particularly in eastern and southern Africa, as a public health measure to reduce HIV risk.