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2008 SERIES

EPISODE 11 - Circumcision

The TeamAdolescents & ARVsHerpes & HIVCelebrities & HIVSero-disordant coupleRelationships & sex Breast, bottle or cup?VCTHate crimesMDR & XDR TBCircumcisionGender violenceInfants on ARVsSexual negotiationsSocial grantsCervical cancerSubstance abusePMTCTFarm workers & HIVPEPTeen pregnancyDisclosureNSPStigma and predjudiceWater and sanitationHuman rights

 

 

There is nothing traditional about HIV.

Male circumcision is often seen as a matter of choice or tradition, but recent studies have shown that it may have a significant impact on men contracting HIV.  Independent tests have shown that men who are circumcised are considerably protected from contracting the virus and circumcision is now considered a viable factor in the prevention in HIV.

This week Siyayinqoba Beat It! looks at this fascinating and controversial subject and we see how this knowledge is a double-edged sword because it may lead men who are circumcised into riskier sexual habits.  Dr Trevor Majoro joins the support group on this week's episode to give his professional, clinical insight on the subject.

The first story takes us to Gauteng where another GP, Dr Motato Leshika sheds some light on how circumcision could potentially offer protection from HIV/AIDS and also gives medical facts on how uncircumcised men may be at greater risk due to the cellular make up of men's foreskins. The question is also raised about the difference between traditional and medical circumcision.

Read the transcript of what Dr Leshika had to say here

The point is emphasised throughout the show that using a condom is still the only way of ensuring your safety against HIV and other STIs but that there is less chance of contracting if the man is circumcised.

Some young guys in Newtown, Johannesburg are asked for their views on circumcision in the second segment and we see differing views amongst them on traditional and medical circumcision.  The question of culture is again under the spotlight back in the studio as the Support Group and Dr Majoro discusses the various types of circumcision and the importance of removing the entire foreskin.

Download the transcript of the discussion

In a story from Khayelitsha the question of the safety of traditional circumcision is raised again as we speak to more young men and a family about it.  They raise concerns about the dangers initiates face.

Read about a mother's concern for her son

IT'S A FACT

Young men in Newtown, Johannesburg

Dr Trevor Majoro

A concerned mother

 HIV can bind with any human cell that has receptor sites for the GP120 protein found on HIV.  This is the first step in HIV entering and infecting a human cell.
In the male foreskin, there are Langerhans cells which are also receptive to the GP120 protein providing a site for HIV to enter the body.
These receptor sites are found not only in CD4 cells, that are part of the immune system, but in other cells in the body, such as blood veins and capillaries. That is why we can have HIV related stroke, as HIV weakens the capiliaries.
During sex, vaginal fluids which contain HIV get exposure to these Langerhans cells creating an opportunity for infection to occur. Removing the foreskin, takes away this potential site of infection.
Studies in Kenya, Uganda and Orange Farm have shown over 50% reduction in HIV transmission among circumcised males in all cases.
Traditional circumcision may not be as effective as medical circumcision if the circumcision is incomplete. This is when some of the Langerhans cells, that provide a site of infection, are left behind.
Men should always use condoms and not get the impression that circumcision is a magic bullet that will protect them from HIV infection.

More widespread promotion of safe complete circumcision, whether traditional or modern, is a tremendous opportunity for making effective prevention strategies available.