Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Benefits of Circumcision

Medical opinion is mixed as to whether circumcision has any health benefit.

• Cancer of the penis:

Some studies suggest that circumcision can help to prevent cancer of the penis. This is an extremely rare type of cancer, and circumcision may only offer protection if done in childhood, not during puberty. However, poor personal hygiene, smoking, and catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called human papilloma virus (HPV) are more important reasons in the development of penile cancer. Countries with the highest rate of circumcision, such as America, also have the highest rate of penile cancer.

• Sexually transmitted infections:

Some types of sexually transmitted infections are more common in uncircumcised than circumcised men. Men who aren’t circumcised may be less likely to notice the symptoms of STIs that cause warts or ulcers on the genitals such as herpes or syphilis. The symptoms of chlamydia can also be less obvious, making it more likely for men to pass on the infection without realising. However, infections such as penile warts and urethritis are more common in circumcised men, and yeast infections such as thrush affect circumcised and uncircumcised men equally.

The best and safest way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections is to practice safe sex, use a condom and get yourself checked for any STIs before sleeping with a new partner or stopping using condoms.

• HIV/ AIDS:

Research into whether HIV is less likely in circumcised men has produced mixed evidence. In the UK, results in favour of circumcision do not outweigh the protection offered by practising safe sex and using condoms.

• Caesarean sectionCancerCancer of the bile ductCancer of the bladderCancer of the boneCancer of the brainCancer of the breastCancer of the breast, maleCancer of the cervixCancer of the colon, rectum or bowelCancer of the kidneyCancer of the larynxCancer of the liverCancer of the lungCancer of the mouthCancer of the oesophagusCancer of the ovaryCancer of the pancreasCancer of the prostateCancer of the skinCancer of the stomachCancer of the testicleCancer of the thyroidCancer of the uterusCancer of the vaginaCancer of the vulvaCarbon monoxide poisoningCarersCarpal tunnel syndromeCartilage damageCataract surgeryCataractsCatarrhCavernous sinus thrombosisCEA testCellulitisCerebral palsyCerebrovascular diseaseCervical screening testCervical spondylosisCharcot-Marie-Tooth diseaseChemotherapyChest infectionChickenpoxChildren in careChiropracticChlamydiaChloride testCholesterolChorionic Villus samplingChronic fatigue syndromeChronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCircumcisionCirrhosisCleft lip and palateClinical trialsClub footCoeliac diseaseCognitive behavioural therapyCold soreCold, commonColicColostomyColour vision deficiencyColposcopyCombined contraceptive pillComplaints about NHS servicesComplementary therapiesComplex Regional Pain SyndromeCondoms (male and female)Congenital heart diseaseCongestive heart failureConjunctivitisConsent to treatmentConstipationContraceptionContraceptive implants and injectionsContraceptive patchCoronary angioplastyCoronary artery bypassCoronary heart diseaseCorticosteroid (drugs)Corticosteroid preparations (topical)Cosmetic surgeryCoughCounsellingCradle capCraniosynostosisCreutzfeldt-Jakob diseaseCrohn's diseaseCroupCT scanCushing's syndromeCuts and grazesCystic fibrosisCystitisCystoscopyCytomegalovirus

  ---