AEGiS-NV: Male circumcision has many advantages The New Vision (Uganda)Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Male circumcision has many advantages

New Vision (Kampala) - August 11, 2009

EDITOR - Most of the reactions in the media about male circumcision as an added intervention against HIV seem to be directed mainly on moral considerations. However, there are other benefits of circumcision not usually brought out. These include protecting female partners against cancer of the cervix.

The cause of this cancer has strongly been linked to the Humanpapilloma virus (HPV) which lives in the warm and moist environment provided by the fore-skin of the penis. Circumcision also protects female sex partners against cancer of the vulva and vagina. Although these infections are comparatively rare, they can be so mutilating. Circumcision also protects men against cancer of the penis.

If detected early, the only correction is penile amputation. Although the cause is not very well known, the cancer has strongly been associated with smegma, a cheese-like, foul-smelling substance found under the foreskin. Improving hygiene of men is also a strong reason for circumcision. Which woman would enjoy the company of a male smelling 'down there'?

As Uganda made history by reducing HIV infection by adopting the ABC strategy, we should not be left behind when others are embracing circumcision.

Patrick Tusiime

Kampala


090811
NV090812

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