Women with circumcised partners are likely to experience
better sex and are at lower risk of contracting HIV, say researchers.
The study showed that circumcision was associated with
decreased prevalence of herpes simplex virus in all women, lower rates of HIV
in younger women and fewer incidents of syphilis in older women.
The study, Association Between HIV and Sexually Transmitted
Infections and Partner Circumcision Among Women in South Africa, enrolled 4,766
female participants.
Dr Ayesha Kharsany presented the findings at the 9th
International Aids Society on HIV Science in Paris, France, last week.
Dr Kharsany, of the Centre for Aids Programme of Research in
South Africa said with circumcision, female partners receive some protection
indirectly because of lower prevalence of infection among men.
“When a man is circumcised, he provides community level
protection against HIV and some other STIs among women,” said Dr Kharsany.
Previous research has shown that circumcision partially
protects men from acquiring HIV and some STIs through heterosexual intercourse.
Another study presented at the conference suggested that
regular sex partners of circumcised men enjoy sex more and improved sexual
health.
The 155 women also reported that they could be engaged more
to promote voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC).
“The process serves as an effective HIV prevention strategy
in high prevalence areas,” said Dr Stockton Mayer, who presented the findings.
The single arm clinical trial reported in the Dominican
Republic showed high acceptability of VMMC in sex partners of circumcised men.
“Women who reported vaginal and urinary symptoms prior to
their partner’s circumcision reported a substantial decrease in the symptoms
after circumcision,” said the report.
A majority of women were satisfied with their circumcised
partner’s hygiene and a majority, 70 per cent, felt more protected against HIV
and STIs.
“Almost all women had recommended the procedure to other
couples and focus group data confirmed high levels of acceptability and
satisfaction due to perceived improvements in their sex life and health,” said
Dr Mayer.
