Men’s Health
Male Circumcision
It is normal to have lots of medical questions about HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, male circumcision, and what these might mean to your sex life in the future.
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision is the surgical removal – cutting away of the foreskin, which is the thin layer of skin that extends over the tip of the penis. It may be offered to men who decide to have the procedure after they have been informed of the health benefits and risks after talking with a Counsellor at a local Health Clinic.
The perception of pain varies by individual. Local anesthesia controls pain during the surgical procedure, but the anesthesia is injected through a needle, which itself causes some brief pain. Men often report minor discomfort in the first days following circumcision, and the discomfort is sufficiently managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
One of the primary benefits of male circumcision is that it is also associated with a reduction in the chances of contracting HIV and other STIs infections including reducing cervical cancer rates in women. There are not many serious risks associated with male circumcision. However, some risks revolve around the potential complications of circumcision such as pain, excessive bleeding and post-operative infections. The best option is to go to your local medical clinic – you can walk in anytime and discuss your questions and options with a specialized MC specialist. Even if you’re worried or nervous about going to a clinic, it’s important to take care of your health. MC specialists get specialized training, are understanding, will not pass judgement or tell you what to do and are respectful and professional. They will give you all the answers you need to make the decision that’s right for you. All conversations about your health are always confidential and private.
Only men who have had sex both with and without their foreskin can compare the sensation and sexual satisfaction they have felt before and after undergoing circumcision. Initial studies that evaluated sexual satisfaction among African men who had undergone VMMC indicated that VMMC does not have any effect on sexual desire or satisfaction, erectile function, or ability to achieve penetration; nor does it cause pain with intercourse.
It’s important to get accurate information that is personal to you – best is to go to your nearest local clinic – you can walk in anytime and discuss your questions and options with a specialized MC specialist. Even if you’re worried or nervous about going to a clinic, it’s important to take care of your health. MC specialists get specialized training, are understanding, will not pass judgement or tell you what to do and are respectful and professional. They will give you all the answers you need to make the decision that’s right for you. All conversations about your health are always confidential and private.
Men may be exposed to HIV and STIs, like gonorrhea, genital warts and herpes and syphilis when they have sex with someone who is infected. Specifically, men who have vaginal intercourse with HIV-infected women are exposed to HIV through the skin of their penis. Removing the foreskin through VMMC reduces the likelihood of HIV infection and other STIs but does not completely eliminate the risk, but rather reduces the chances of infections. It’s important to get accurate information that is personal to you – best is to go to your nearest local clinic – you can walk in anytime and discuss your questions and options with a specialized MC specialist. Even if you’re worried or nervous about going to a clinic, it’s important to take care of your health. MC specialists get specialized training, are understanding, will not pass judgement or tell you what to do and are respectful and professional. They will give you all the answers you need to make the decision that’s right for you. All conversations about your health are always confidential and private.
