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Does circumcision influence recurrences in herpes genitalis?
1Dr. Jerath's Skin and VD Clinic and Allergy Centre, Jalandhar City, Punjab, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|November 17, 2009
Summary
Therapeutic circumcision in men may reduce genital herpes recurrences. This study found a significant decrease in the average number of herpes genitalis recurrences per year after circumcision compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- The role of therapeutic circumcision in preventing recurrent genital herpes is not well understood.
- Circumcision's impact on acquiring sexually transmitted infections, including genital herpes, is documented but conflicting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of therapeutic circumcision on preventing recurrences of herpes genitalis in adult males.
- To compare recurrence rates in circumcised patients versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- Twenty adult males with recurrent herpes genitalis underwent therapeutic circumcision.
- A control group of twenty uncircumcised adult males with recurrent herpes genitalis was selected.
- Both groups were followed to monitor herpes genitalis recurrences.
Main Results:
- Circumcised patients experienced an average of 0.008 recurrences per person per year, a significant reduction from pre-circumcision rates.
- Controls had an average of 0.17 recurrences per person per year, similar to uncircumcised individuals.
- Seven circumcised patients reported no recurrences for 3-18 years, and two had their first recurrence 11 years post-circumcision.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic circumcision appears to reduce the frequency of herpes genitalis recurrences.
- Circumcision may prolong the disease-free interval between recurrences in men with herpes genitalis.
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