Circumcision and HIV

Circumcision (pronunciation: /ˌsɜːrkəmˈsɪʒən/) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis. The term is derived from the Latin word circumcisio, which means "to cut around".

HIV (pronunciation: /ˌeɪtʃ aɪ ˈviː/), an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections.

Relationship between Circumcision and HIV

Several studies have suggested that male circumcision may help reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have stated that male circumcision is an effective intervention for HIV prevention.

The biological rationale for this is that the inner foreskin is rich in Langerhans cells, which are susceptible to HIV infection. The removal of the foreskin through circumcision reduces the number of these cells, thereby reducing the risk of HIV infection.

However, circumcision should not replace other methods of HIV prevention, such as the use of condoms, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Related Terms

Foreskin: The retractable roll of skin covering the end of the penis.
Langerhans cells: A type of immune cell that is an initial target for HIV infection.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART): The use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): A way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day.