Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Effects of HIV voluntary medical male circumcision programs on sexually transmitted infections
Mitch Matoga1,2, Mina C Hosseinipour1,3, Sara Jewett2
1UNC Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Purpose Of Review:
Evidence of the protective effect of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) against HIV is well established. However, evidence of the protective effect of VMMC against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been inconsistent or scarce across different populations and settings. This review summarizes the current evidence on the effect of VMMC for HIV prevention on acquisition and transmission of other STIs in heterosexual men, women, and men who have sex with men (MSM).
Recent Findings:
Recent findings continue to strongly support the protective effect of male medical circumcision against acquisition and transmission of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human papillomavirus (HPV) and syphilis infections in heterosexual men and women, and bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis in women. There is emerging evidence on the protective effect of VMMC against acquisition of hepatitis B and Mycoplasma genitalium infections in heterosexual men, and HSV-2, HPV, and syphilis in MSM.
Summary:
Evidence on the protective effect of VMMC against acquisition and transmission of common STIs is available for heterosexual men and women but more evidence is required for MSM. This review supports policy recommendations for the protective benefits of VMMC against STIs.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...

