Circumcision may cut HIV risk among some groups of US men

Circumcision could cut the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission in the United States- especially in some groups such as black and Hispanic men, according to a new evidence review.

But any man considering circumcision needs to discuss the possibility - and the risks associated with the procedure - carefully with their doctor.

Researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have analysed three randomised controlled trials of circumcision as a HIV prevention measure in Africa to find out if any recommendations for the US can be made on their basis.

In each trial - carried out in South Africa, Kenya and Uganda - men who had been randomly assigned to be circumcised were significantly less likely to become infected with HIV up to two years after, compared to a group of men who remained uncircumcised. The risk was cut by between 51 and 60%.

But the potential impact of adult male circumcision on HIV transmission rates in the US is hard to predict, say the researchers writing in PLoS Medicine.

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