Q13. Does circumcision protect you against disease?

A13. This is often believed about circumcision. People claim that it protects against certain diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), penile cancer and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

It is an effective form of treatment but is often used as a last resort only. There are other treatments which work equally as well.

Plus critics argue that there is no evidence to show that circumcision protects against these diseases.

Find out more in our preventative reasons section.

FAQS Index : A guide to Vasectomy

Circumcision FAQs

1. What is circumcision?
2. Can men be circumcised?
3. Is circumcision only performed for religious reasons?
4. Is circumcision painful?
5. Are only boys and men circumcised?
6. What is female circumcision?
7. Should I have my son circumcised?
8. Will having a circumcision affect my sex life?
9. How safe is circumcision?
10. Does circumcision mean that the penis is easier to clean?
11. Is circumcision needed?
12. Is circumcision needed if my son’s foreskin doesn’t retract?

13. Does circumcision protect you against disease?
14. What is ‘frenulum breve?’
15. What is ‘phimosis?’
16. What is ‘paraphimosis?
17. What is ‘balanitis?’
18. What does the surgery involve?
19. How long does circumcision take?
20. What are the risks of circumcision?
21. How long does the recovery take?
22. Will I have to take time off work?
23. When can my son return to school following his circumcision?
24. Can a circumcision be reversed?
25. Why is circumcision so controversial?