By Dr Ndiviwe Mphothulo
Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) is the surgical removal of the foreskin. Removing the foreskin results in the head of the penis exposed.
MMC differs with Traditional male Circumcision. Traditional male circumcision is done for religious or traditional reasons and is done in communal settings compared to MMC that is done in medical facilities.
Differences between MMC and Traditional Male Circumcision:
These include variations in the equipment used and the counselling provided to the men before and after surgery, as well as the overall context for and meaning of the surgery (for HIV prevention and health, compared with the rite of passage to manhood).
Another important difference is how much of the foreskin is removed. Some traditional circumcisions involve only a small cut to the foreskin or partial removal, while MMC results in removal of the whole foreskin.
While it is not known exactly how much foreskin must be removed in order to reduce the risk of HIV infection in men, complete removal is thought to be necessary.
Despite these important differences in procedures, there are many ways that clinical and traditional circumcision services can work together. Traditional and clinical providers can collaborate to improve the safety and acceptability of male circumcision, reduce complications, enhance the health education content of civic education and rituals, and improve the sexual and reproductive health of men and women, while preserving the sociocultural importance of the male circumcision process.
Benefits of MMC:
Reduces risk of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Improves hygiene.
Improves the appearance of the penis.
Improves sexual performance.
Protects female partners from risk of cancer of the cervix.
Reduces risk of HIV infection.
What are the risks when you are not circumcised?
The foreskin may bruise or tear during sexual intercourse.
Risk of HIV infection increases.
There is no extra-protection against STIs.
Your partner is not protected against cancer of the cervix.
The National Department of Health provides free MMC through its facilities or through contracted NGOs.
Dr Ndiviwe Mphothulo: MB CHB, Diploma in HIV Management (SA), Master of Public Health. – Medical doctor at City of Johannesburg Clinics
