It is estimated that almost a third of all men are circumcised, though rates vary widely around the world.
Scientific research shows that male circumcision reduces a man’s change of becoming infected with HIV by up to 60%. It has also been suggested that six million new HIV infections and three million deaths could be prevented in twenty years if all men in sub-Saharan Africa became circumcised.

For about 30 years, scientists have suggested that circumcision may reduce the risk of HIV transmission during sex. There are several reasons for this – the foreskin creates a moist environment, in which HIV can live for longer. If a man is circumcised, the front part of the skin of the penis becomes stronger, and more resistant to infection. In addition, any small tears in the foreskin that occur during sex make it much easier for the virus to enter the body.

It is important to note that the proven benefit only applies to men. The studies so far conducted suggest that male circumcision probably doesn't have a substantial effect in reducing HIV transmission from an infected man to a woman.

The greatest advantage of circumcision is that it is a one-off procedure, with no ongoing costs or supply issues to worry about. Once a boy or man has undergone the procedure, he will benefit from the preventive effect for the rest of his life. However, there are also disadvantages to circumcision as a universal HIV prevention approach which is why on its own, it is not a solution to the global HIV epidemic.

Circumcision is much less effective than condom use at preventing HIV transmission. If used correctly every time you have sex, condoms provide highly effective protection against HIV infection, whereas circumcision only prevents around 50% of infections. Even if a man has been circumcised, he must still abstain, be faithful or use condoms to substantially cut his risk of infection. Moreover, unlike condoms, circumcision does not prevent pregnancy and it is unclear whether it reduces the risk from other STDs.

Unlike other methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, circumcision requires medical intervention. Side-effects of poorly performed circumcision can include serious bleeding and damage to the rest of the penis. Even more worryingly, if tools are not sterilized before each use, then they can transmit infections: there is a real risk that circumcision could actually spread HIV if not performed properly. Also, newly circumcised men must wait a few weeks for their wounds to heal before having sex. If they don't, they are likely to face an increased risk of HIV infection through their broken skin.

If people become too confident about the protective effects of circumcision, they may engage in more high-risk sexual behaviour. Men who have been circumcised might stop using condoms, or be keener to visit sex workers. Women might find it harder to insist on condom use by circumcised partners. It is even possible that, in areas where circumcision is already widespread, publicity of the scientific findings could increase transmission of HIV. Many agencies are working hard to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM), a custom that is still common in some parts of the developing world. Promoting male circumcision in societies that practice FGM risks creating confusion or the perception of double standards.

So as there are a number of difficulties associated with circumcision as an HIV prevention approach, considerable care must be taken wherever it is promoted.

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