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Review
. 2021 Feb 1;34(1):50-55.
doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000696.

Effects of HIV voluntary medical male circumcision programs on sexually transmitted infections

Mitch Matoga  1   2 , Mina C Hosseinipour  1   3 , Sara Jewett  2 , Irving F Hoffman  1   3 , Charles Chasela  2   4
Affiliations
Review

Effects of HIV voluntary medical male circumcision programs on sexually transmitted infections

Mitch Matoga et al. Curr Opin Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Evidence of the protective effect of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) against HIV is well established. However, evidence of the protective effect of VMMC against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been inconsistent or scarce across different populations and settings. This review summarizes the current evidence on the effect of VMMC for HIV prevention on acquisition and transmission of other STIs in heterosexual men, women, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Recent findings: Recent findings continue to strongly support the protective effect of male medical circumcision against acquisition and transmission of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human papillomavirus (HPV) and syphilis infections in heterosexual men and women, and bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis in women. There is emerging evidence on the protective effect of VMMC against acquisition of hepatitis B and Mycoplasma genitalium infections in heterosexual men, and HSV-2, HPV, and syphilis in MSM.

Summary: Evidence on the protective effect of VMMC against acquisition and transmission of common STIs is available for heterosexual men and women but more evidence is required for MSM. This review supports policy recommendations for the protective benefits of VMMC against STIs.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

We have no conflicts of interest to report.

References

    1. UNAIDS and WHO. Voluntary medical male circumcision. Geneva, Switzerland; 2019.
    1. Mielke R Male Circumcision and Infection In: Circumcision and the Community. London. United Kingdom: IntechOpen; 2020. p. 1–20.

    2. is an open access book that discusses the history of circumcision, the physiology of the foreskin and the effect of circumcision on individual STIs in detail.

    1. Gray RH. Male circumcision for HIV and STI prevention: A reflection. Clin Chem. 2019;65(1):15–8. - PubMed

    2. gives a good reflection of how evidence on the effect of circumcision on HIV and STI prevention has evolved over time.

    1. World Health Organization. Preventing HIV through Safe Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for Adolescent Boys and Men in Generalized HIV Epidemics: Recommendations and key considerations. Geneva, Switzerland; - PubMed
    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information for Providers to Share with Male Patients and Parents Regarding Male Circumcision and the Prevention of HIV Infection, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and other Health Outcomes. 2018.

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