Circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission and cervical cancer

 22 Januari 2016   

Circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission and cervical cancer

Men are encouraged to undergo circumcision, even when they are adults. The reason is, circumcision has various health benefits, ranging from reducing the risk of HIV transmission, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to the risk of cervical cancer in women.

Dr. Muhammad Zaiem explained that generally germs and viruses will be lodged in the folds of the inner penis. If not cleaned, germs, bacteria, and viruses will infect a man's body. Well, with circumcision or circumcision, the process of cleaning the inner folds of the penis will be easier.

“Circumcision is basically cutting or removing all or part of the skin that only covers the head of the penis. After the skin is removed, the head of the penis is easier to see and clean," said Dr.

By maintaining the cleanliness of the head of the penis and deep skin folds, the male genital area can be free from infection with germs, bacteria, and viruses. This includes the risk of being infected with the herpes virus and human papillomavirus (HPV).

“The recommendations of the WHO and international journals state that if the male is circumcised, the risk of the female partner being infected with HPV is reduced by 28%. This means that it can be said that circumcision can also reduce a woman's risk of cervical cancer. The principle is that when the foreskin is partially removed, there is no longer a nesting place for germs, viruses, and bacteria, "explained Dr. Zaiem.

On the penis that has not been circumcised, often found smegma or white discharge that is easy to clean. Well, the smegma is dirt consisting of germs and bacteria that 'live' in the area of ​​​​the head of the penis and deep skin folds. If not cleaned, smegma can be black and sticky. In fact, it should be, germs and bacteria that are on the head and skin folds in the penis should be removed.

"If the penis is in that condition, the man gets married and has sex, it's not impossible that the hidden germs and bacteria had moved to the wife's vagina, right," said Dr. Zaiem.

Well, another benefit of circumcision for men's health is to reduce the risk of being infected with HIV, even up to 50-60 percent according to WHO data. Reducing the risk of transmission of genital herpes, the possibility of HPV turning into cancer, as well as the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Circumcision in adult men also affects activities in bed.

“In general, the anatomy of the penis consists of external and internal. Well, the penis is an external part but if it is not clean, it can have an effect on the internal part of the penis. For example, a urinary tract infection can occur directly or for a long time it can cause problems with the prostate,” concluded Dr. Zaiem.