HIV prevention in men through safe voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) has been implemented since 2007 and research now indicates it may help reduce women's risk of STIs and cervical cancer.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of male circumcision for HIV prevention has been effective in lowering HIV in both sexes in settings where heterosexually transmitted HIV is high. Lower STI prevalence in men leads to lower prevalence in women, improving male and female public health.

Health benefits of circumcision include lowering the risk of HIV transmission by approx. 60% and clinical trials have shown it’s less likely to contract new infections such as syphilis (42%), genital ulcer disease (48%), genital herpes (28% to 45%), and high-risk strains of human papillomavirus associated with cancer (24% to 47%). “With far reaching consequences this is why circumcision should be conducted under safe medical conditions by a registered medical practitioner and approved by the government”, said Dr Kabo Ijane from the Urology Hospital (TUH), Pretoria.

Dr Ijane advised families planning for circumcision season in SA to research thoroughly, “choosing a clinical setting safeguards patients and can prevent potential hazards including unnecessary injury and excessive bleeding which may lead to pain, infection, inflammation, future foreskin problems, deformity, and in rare cases, amputation of the penis or death due to complications.”

In some African community’s circumcision at initiation schools is a cultural rite of passage to manhood and a source of pride to the family. Unfortunately, it is sometimes associated with medical complications. The Eastern Cape Premier reported 23 deaths in the 2021 summer initiation season (12 November to 12 January 2022). It’s estimated that 858 boys died while attending initiation schools in the last 15 years.

“Circumcision should be seen as a medical procedure, things can go wrong, and the consequences can be devastating. The Urology Hospital has performed over 8 000 male circumcisions since 2012. 805 in 2022 alone”, says Dr Ijane, who carried out 60% of those procedures.

Circumcision at The Urology Hospital is a day procedure, lasting between three to five hours from arrival to discharge and is covered by most medical aid plans.