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Ask Dr. Cullins: STIs/STDs
| Q: |
With the recent news regarding the effectiveness of circumcision in the prevention of the transmission of HIV does Planned Parenthood advocate for young men to get circumcised if they have not been already to promote safer sex? |
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| A: |
Recent studies have shown that the circumcision of adult men who live in parts of the developing world where condoms are not easily available can reduce HIV transmission rates by about 50 percent. Used correctly, however, a condom reduces the risk of HIV transmission by nearly 100 percent. So condom use is, by far, a superior safer sex strategy. That is why health authorities, including medical experts associated with Planned Parenthood, are not recommending circumcision as an HIV-prevention strategy for infant boys, adolescents, or adult men who live in more developed countries. Not only is access to condoms easy and the use of condoms prevalent in more developed countries, but HIV rates are much lower here than they are in the African nations where the studies were done. |
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| This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you. |
Published: 05.29.07
© 2007 Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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