More Evidence of Protection: Circumcision reduces STD risk in men

Circumcised men are less likely to get sexually transmitted diseases than uncircumcised men are, a long-term study finds.

Circumcision—the surgical removal of the foreskin on the penis, usually soon after birth—is rarely considered a medical necessity and carries a risk of surgical complication. But a spate of reports in recent years has suggested that this ancient but controversial practice confers benefits, including a reduced risk of acquiring HIV, the AIDS virus (SN: 10/29/05, p.