Does Circumcision Decrease HIV Risk?

Circumcision is a very common practice in the United States, in parts of Europe and in the Muslim community. Sixty percent of newborn boys in the U.S. are circumcised, usually within a few days after birth. The reason for circumcision varies according to culture and religion. For some, circumcision is done for hygiene and health reasons. For others, the practice holds significant religious meaning. And for a growing segment of the population, circumcision is viewed as an unnecessary and painful mutilation. But now, studies conducted in Africa show that circumcision reduced the rate of HIV transmission. In fact, the data are so compelling that researchers decided, for ethical reasons, they must discontinue the study and circumcise any study participant who requested the procedure.

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