Effect of circumcision in reducing high-risk human papilloma virus infection

Objective To understand the effect of circumcision in reducing high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in male adults. Methods One hundred and twenty-eight married adults with phimosis who underwent circumcision enrolled in the case group and high-risk HPV of urethral discharge specimens were detected before and 2 years after operation. A total of 128 cases of phimosis without circumcision were recruited in the control group. High-risk HPV infection rates were compared between the two groups. Results The highrisk HPV infection rates in the two groups were comparable at baseline. In the circumcision group, high-risk HPV infection rate was 27. 3% preoperative and it significantly decreased to 12.5% two years after operation( x2 =8. 839 ,P =0. 005). In the control group,high risk HPV infection rate was 28. 1% at baseline and it was 25.0%two years later, with no significant difference (x2 =0.320,P = 0.671).Conclusion Circumcision can significantly reduce high-risk HPV infection. Promoting circumcision actively in our country may have an important role in preventing high-risk HPV infection. Key words: Circumcision; Human papilloma viruse; Adult male