Circumcision in men can help decrease STD transmission, and lower the risk of penis and prostate cancer. The procedure can also boost fertility according to an expert.
Circumcision is the procedure that removes the foreskin of the penis and is typically done for ritualistic and cultural reasons. While the procedure is most common in infants, more and more adult males are seeking out the procedure.
In the United States, studies show that circumcision reduces the rate of urinary tract infections (UTI) in boys. While UTI for adults is not serious, it can lead to lifelong kidney problems in children.
However, new studies have revealed the health benefits of circumcision, which is why more adults are opting to undergo the procedure. While children heal from the circumcision overnight, adults may take longer to recuperate, will be given more anesthesia and will need to abstain from sex for at least one week.
Circumcision lowers a man's risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, herpes and HPV, which is known to cause genital warts. Research in the past has shown that circumcision can reduce the risk of contracting HIV in men by 50 to 60 percent , according to Medical Daily.
According to Dr. Paul Turk, men's health expert at The Turek Clinic in California, the foreskin acts as a reservoir for secretion that can contain viruses such as HIV and herpes, according to Daily Mail. Since the secretions typically reside on the hood of the penis, contact with a sexual partner may increase their chances of getting the virus.
Circumcision also reduces a man's chance of developing penile cancer. Studies show that men who have been diagnosed with penile cancer are all uncircumcised.
Scientists believe that similar to cervical cancer; penile cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Since circumcision is believed to reduce the transmission of HPV, this also reduces the likelihood of a man developing penile cancer.
Similarly, circumcision can also hinder infection and inflammation that can eventually lead to prostate carcinogenesis, according to Highlight Health. Research from the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center suggest that circumcised men have a 15 percent lower rate of prostate cancer.
Finally, the procedure can also help boost fertility as many uncircumcised men have reported issues with fertility. Uncircumcised men often suffer from phimosis, which is the inability to retract the foreskin making it too tight that can cause problems with sex and fertility. Once removed by the procedure, the problem will be remedied and fertility can be returned.
