The Role of the Foreskin in Male Circumcision: An Evidence-Based Review

Minh H. Dinh*, Kelly M. Fahrbach, Thomas J. Hope

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Citation Dinh MH, Fahrbach KM, Hope TJ. The role of the foreskin in male circumcision: an evidence-based review. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 279-283 HIV sexual transmission via the male genital tract remains poorly defined. Male circumcision was shown to reduce female-to-male transmission in Africa, providing a clue that the foreskin plays a role in the route of transmission. Scientific data in four categories relating to how the foreskin might affect HIV transmission is summarized: (i) surface area, (ii) microbiologic environment, (iii) HIV-1-susceptible cells, and (iv) tissue structure. The relative contribution of each of these areas is yet unknown, and further studies will be crucial in understanding how male circumcision affects HIV transmission in men.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)279-283
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Reproductive Immunology
Volume65
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Circumcision
  • Foreskin
  • HIV
  • Transmission

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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