Medical Male Circumcision (MMC)
Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) is the most hygienic, safest way to be circumcised, and the only way to ensure that you get the full sexual and health benefits. Each man in South Africa has the right to a safe and hygienic medical male circumcision.
Know The Facts:
1. What is Medical Male Circumcision (MMC)?
- Medical Male Circumcision is the complete removal of the foreskin.
2. Why should a man undergo MMC?
- It's the best option for your sexual and reproductive health.
- It reduces the risk of HIV infection.
- It's the best method to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis and gonorrhea.
- It reduces your risk of penile cancer and your partner's risk of cervical cancer.
- It eliminates bruising and tearing during sex which means less risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's) and diseases.
- It ensures better hygiene.
3. What male circumcision does not do:
- Doesn't prevent pregnancy.
- Doesn't benefit the partner of an HIV-positive man.
- Doesn't reduce the risk of HIV infection during anal sex.
4. Where can a man go for a male medical circumcision?
Male Medical Circumcision takes place in local clinics, community health centres and district hospitals. A specially trained doctor or nurse will do the procedure.
Click on the links below to find health facilities in the metro area:
5. What happens when men have a male medical circumcision?
At the health facility you'll be counselled and will be examined by the nurse or doctor to make sure that a circumcision can be done. It will be recommended that he has an HIV test.
He'll be given a local anaesthetic. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. The wound is stitched and he will be told how to keep the wound clean. Then he can go home.
6. How long is the healing process?
The wound takes about 6 weeks to heal.
The man may not have sex or masturbate during this time otherwise the wound will take longer to heal.
7. Does a man still need to use a condom after circumcision?
Yes, a condom should still be used to reduce unwanted pregnancy and to reduce the transmission of HIV and STI's. Sexual ability will be the same as before the circumcision.
8. If a man has already been circumcised as part of his culture or religion, does he need another circumcision?
Many cultures and religions only partially circumcise the penis, however, for full health benefits a medical circumcision is recommended.
9. Who can go for a medical male circumcision?
Provided informed consent for the procedure is obtained by the medical practitioner, parents can have their male babies and children circumcised at various health care facilities.
Men from 15 to 49 years can also visit their nearest clinic to undergo the procedure. Nobody will be turned away.
10. Can a man be circumcised if he is HIV positive?
Yes, HIV positive men can be circumcised, however this does not protect your partner from contracting HIV and you should continue to use condoms at all times (even after being circumcised).
For More Information, please contact:
- The AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322
- The Western Cape Government Health Department: 021 483 4284
- Brothers For Life: www.brothersforlife.org
- Sonke Gender Justice: www.genderjustice.org.za