Circumcision benefit small against sexually transmitted infections

CIRCUMCISION may confer only minimal protection against STIs, Australian research shows. 

A cross-sectional survey investigated circumcision and its impact on sexual health in 4290 Australian men aged 16–64. Just over half were circumcised. After adjustment for age and number of partners, circumcision was unrelated to self-reported STI prevalence, except for circumcised men having a higher risk of non-specific urethritis and a lower incidence of penile candidiasis. 

And while previous Australian survey results had suggested circumcision might protect against erection problems, the present study found little difference in erectile dysfunction.

“[Circumcision] appears to have minimal protective effects on sexual health in the Australian context,” the authors said. 

Aust NZ J Public Health 2010; 34:160-64