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Circumcision Reduces Risk of STDs
Fergusson DM, Boden JM, and Horwood LJ. Circumcision Status and Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infection in Young Adult Males: An Analysis of a Longitudinal Birth Cohort. PEDIATRICS (November 2006);118:1971-1977.
OBJECTIVES. Previous research suggests that male circumcision may be a protective factor against the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections; however, studies examining this question have produced mixed results. The aim of this study was to examine the association between circumcision status and sexually transmitted infection risk using a longitudinal birth cohort study.
METHODS. Data were gathered as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children. Information was obtained on: (1) the circumcision status of males in the cohort before 15 years old, (2) measures of self-reported sexually transmitted infection from ages 18 to 25 years, and (3) childhood, family, and related covariate factors.
RESULTS. Being uncircumcised had a statistically significant bivariate association with self-reported sexually transmitted infection. Adjustment for potentially confounding factors, including number of sexual partners and unprotected sex, as well as background and family factors related to circumcision, did not reduce the association between circumcision status and reports of sexually transmitted infection. Estimates of the population-attributable risk suggested that universal neonatal circumcision would have reduced rates of sexually transmitted infection in this cohort by 48.2%.
CONCLUSIONS. These findings suggest that uncircumcised males are at greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infection than circumcised males. Male circumcision may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition and transmission by up to one half, suggesting substantial benefits accruing from routine neonatal circumcision.
Comments: The great circumcision debate continues. Score one for the PRO-circumcision team. ABK
Date: 08 Dec 2006
Time: 21:41:49
Having been married to an uncircumsied man, let me just say that infrequent BATHING may account for increased bacteria of any sort. If we did a good job of teaching parents of uncircumsied infants about pulling back the foreskin for cleaning and then teaching the child to do this themselves, less bacteria accumulation with decreased subsequent infections will occur.
UserName: Connie Carrigan
Institution: Mpls University Fairview Hosp
telephone: 612-459-2200
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