Circumcision can be effective in protecting against AIDS. And a study shows that, contrary to popular belief, it does not necessarily increase risky behavior.
While the AIDS epidemic affects nearly 35 million people worldwide, several studies have shown that circumcised men are less likely to be infected with the virus. However, voluntary circumcision programs are still struggling to develop. According to several experts, knowing that you are less at risk could promote unprotected sex, and therefore the spread of other diseases.
No more condoms
A study, published online in Aids and Behavior, was carried out in Kenya, to determine the propensity of circumcised men to engage in risky sexual behavior, including not wearing a condom, multiplying partners, and having sex with prostitutes.
3,186 men, aged 18 to 35, participated. Half of them were circumcised at the start of the study. The participants were questioned every six months about their perception of the risk of becoming infected with HIV, as well as their sexual practices. They were also encouraged to get tested regularly, and to watch AIDS information videos.
Sexual activity increased in both circumcised and uncircumcised men. But risk-taking decreased in both cases, with more condom use.
Impact on health policy
30% of circumcised men considered themselves at risk of being infected before the operation, and only 14% after. Circumcision therefore influences the perception of circumcised men on their risk of suffering from AIDS. However, researchers have shown that this way of perceiving their state of health does not necessarily encourage risk-taking.
The study even encourages states that are reluctant to set up circumcision programs, as part of policies to combat sexually transmitted diseases, to review their a priori on the sexual behavior of circumcised men.
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