If studies are anything to go by, there may be good news for millions who suffer from Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and Human Papilloma Virus. According to a study published Thursday in The New England Journal of Medicine, not only does male circumcision reduce prevalence of HIV infection in men, but it also reduces transmission of both Human Papilloma Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 45 million Americans aged 12 and above suffer from herpes or Simplex Virus Type 2, a terminal infection that causes persistent painful genital lesions. A staggering 20 million Americans are currently infected with the H.P.V, which is known to cause genital cancer, especially cervical cancers. Whereas there is currently no cure for Human Papilloma Virus, a new vaccine which works only in girls and women has been approved.
A randomized clinical trial was carried on more than 3000 Ugandan men, all free off Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2. They were made to undergo immediate circumcision or to undergo circumcision 24 months from the start of the study. Similarly, a subgroup was evaluated for possible H.P.V infection.
Out of the men initially circumcised, 114 tested positive for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 after 24 months, the report reads. From the non circumcised group, 153 tested positive. Subsequent to controlling a range of behavioral and health factors, the researchers discovered that circumcised men had more reduced risk of infection compared to the non circumcised men. Circumcised men had a 25 percent chance of escaping infection.
The study revealed conspicuous results about types of Herpes Simplex Virus that cause genital cancer. Only 18 percent of the circumcised men tested positive after a two year period compared with approximately 28 percent in the control grouping. Circumcised men had even more reduced chances of infection after their sexual practices were adjusted. They had a 35 percent reduced risk compared to the uncircumcised men.
It still remains unclear if this result can be applied to men in the United States. However, previous studies and trials in South Africa yielded similar results. According to Dr. Ronald H. Gray, a professor of reproductive epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins, the study shows that circumcision may have long time health benefits.
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