There are, in fact, many who associate the concept of circumcision with religions only but what they do not know (or prefer to ignore) is that the process is exceedingly vigorous. Really? Well, it is and for this simple reason the process of surgical removal of the foreskin of males (circumcision) performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite has been going on for centuries. A number of studies conducted these days have confirmed the same. Furthermore, as indicated by them, apart from reduction of the incidence of H.I.V. infection in men, the process is apt in lessening transmission of both herpes simplex virus Type 2 and human papilloma virus.

The study was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and according to it, no less than 45 million people in the United States ages 12 and older have had herpes, or H.S.V.-2, the incurable infection that can result into recurrent painful genital warts. The studies also reveal that nearly 20 million people are currently infected with human papilloma virus, or H.P.V. What can be the outcome? If the disease remains undetected, it can lead to genital cancers, including cervical cancers.

The investigation was performed among more than 3,000 uncircumcised Ugandan men who were not infected with H.S.V.-2 and they had to experience immediate circumcision or to be circumcised 24 months from the start of the investigation. What was the result? At the end of 24 months 114 men of the men initially circumcised and 153 of the noncircumcised tested positive for H.S.V.-2. These indicate that circumcised men had a 25 percent reduced risk of infection.

Even in the case of H.P.V., especially that brings about genital cancer, the result was striking. While 18 percent of circumcised men were infected at the end of two years, the number was 28 percent in the control group. Keep in mind, as stated by experts, even after adjustment for types of sexual practices, symptoms of sexually transmitted infections and other variables, the circumcised men had a 35 percent reduced risk of infection.

What leads to the difference? On the word of experts, retraction of the foreskin during intercourse exposes the penis to infection, and that the moist area under the foreskin may then provide a protected environment in which the viruses can flourish.

If you have any question still, you can consult with a doctor of medicine.