As a continuation of the article that The New Times published in February on male circumcision, we are going to highlight the misconception that Rwandans have held on the issue.

Now that research in other parts of the continent has proved that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, some men have fallen into the belief that this is 100 percent full proof.

Very few people know the real risks as well as the advantages of circumcision.  Some studies show that circumcision has a slight preventive effect for AIDS and some STDs; however, other studies show an insignificant or opposite effect.

According media reports, clinics have been flooded with Rwandans ready to go through the procedure. In the pursuit of reducing HIV/AIDS in Rwanda, we stand the risk of increasing the spread of the virus due to ignorance or passing the message the wrong way

Common misconceptions:

1- Circumcision is recommended by doctors and medical organizations. It is not recommended by any medical association in the world.

2- Circumcision prevents AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some studies show that circumcision has a slight preventive effect for AIDS and some STDs; however, other studies show an insignificant or opposite effect.

The bottom line: sexual practices have a much greater effect on the chance of becoming infected than circumcision status. If someone acts on the misconception that circumcision alone will protect them, they are taking unwise chances.  

3- Circumcision makes the penis cleaner and more hygienic. 
Circumcision removes the protective portion of mobile shaft skin, which is intended to cover the glans (head) of the penis.  The glans is the internal portion of genitalia (for both genders).

Circumcision artificially exposes and denudes this highly sensitive tissue, resulting in a buildup of keratin and a dry, desensitized part of the penis. And contrary to popular myth, more sensation does not lead to control problems. 

Based on reports from men circumcised as adults, just the opposite is true. With more sensation, a man has better feedback and can better determine his proximity to the "orgasmic threshold.”   

Circumcision experts are worried by a belief going around many young Rwandan men that the procedure protects one from contracting any sexually transmitted disease.

Health workers say it is important that the public understands how circumcision protects men from sexually transmitted infections, and that they should also know that the procedure is not a guarantee of protection.

While others are claiming that circumcision is another substitute for condoms, one Janvier Kamanzi thinks otherwise.

"Condoms are designed resembling the foreskin” he said with a hush smile. According to him, he finds no use in condoms since he has a natural one describing that the foreskin retains what the condom’s air space does.

It is amazing how the most absurd theory could appear to be real just because it has been dramatically illustrated. Illiteracy also has a lot to do with these misconceptions.  

Eddie Bugingo is a plumber in Rwanda. He thinks that there is a lot of talk with no action.

"I have never seen government vehicles doing campaigns in town on this issue if it was so burning,” he noted.  He has not seen mature people taking the initiative to go for the procedure.

He surely doesn’t think it helps in reducing the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Bugingo said that the only way which has been working and which will always  work is abstinence for those who can (in his own words), being faithful and the third which he advocates more, the use of condoms

Ends