HIV/AIDS Glossary

Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis. Male circumcision is performed for potential health benefits and for cultural or religious reasons. Possible health benefits of male circumcision include a lower risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. Circumcised men are less likely than uncircumcised men to get HIV from female partners, but circumcision doesn’t decrease their risk as much as other prevention options.