Circumcision.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent randomized control trials have demonstrated the efficacy of male circumcision in reducing the incidence of HIV infection in geographic areas epidemic with AIDS. Ancillary studies from these trials and others have emerged with more data on further public health benefits. We review the findings of these new trials as well as new studies pertaining to male circumcision.

RECENT FINDINGS: Male circumcision appears to reduce the infection of several sexually transmitted diseases in randomized control trials and there is evidence suggesting this public health benefit is passed on to their female partners. Additionally, male circumcision appears to reduce penile cancer and cervical cancer and is likely due to elimination of foreskin harboring human papilloma virus. The benefit of circumcision in newborns seems most applicable in the first 3 months of life.

SUMMARY: Increasing data support the value of male circumcision in geographic areas with high prevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and genital cancers. The application of these public health benefits to other countries worldwide remains to be seen.