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New York – It has been known for some time that female partners of circumcised men have a decreased risk of cervical cancer due to HPV (Human Papiloma Virus). A recent study by Dr. Aaron A.R. Tobian, of Johns Hopkins University, shows that circumcision lowers the risk of HPV to 35% and herpes to 25% in the men themselves. The same study previously revealed that circumcision helps prevent HIV infection as well, in heterosexual men. No data were collected on homosexual men. Earlier studies concluded that circumcised men were at a lowered risk for syphilis, but the Tobian study did not support this. In fact Tobian’s study results showed similar syphilis rates for uncircumcised men and those who were circumcised.

Researchers believe circumcision helps prevent disease, because once circumcised, infectious organisms have few places to incubate, such as moisture that the foreskin harbors. The skin of the head of the penis becomes a bit tougher after the foreskin is removed, thus making it less prone to micro-tears that allow organisms to enter the skin.

The Tobian study correlates with data that show Hispanics and African-Americans have the highest rates of HPV, herpes, and cervical cancer, while having the lowest numbers of circumcised men.