There are numerous things men can do to protect themselves and their partners from contracting HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is one of them.
Performed by trained doctors and nurses in an equipped health facility or day clinic, VMMC holds many health advantages, the above-mentioned risk mitigation among them.
Roché Laws, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Wellness in Overberg District, stated: “VMMC also eliminates tearing and bruising during sex, reducing the opportunity for infection. It also improves hygiene, reduces the risk of developing penile cancer and reduces the risk of passing the virus that causes cervical cancer to female partners.”
The VMMC procedure is quick and safe. All men who choose to have a VMMC will undergo counselling that includes advice on post-operative care, healthy sexual conduct and a HIV test. The procedure requires only local anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes, after which you can go home. It takes about six weeks to heal completely and during this time a follow-up visit is needed to ensure that wound is mending properly.
Sophia Barends, an enrolled nursing assistant who dedicates all her time to the VMMC programme in the Overstrand, says the ultimate goal of VMMC is to ensure a healthier generation.
“We want the youth to understand the benefits of VMMC so they can make an informed decision and take responsibility for their own health,” she explained.
Even if men have been circumcised, cautioned Barends, they still need to use a new condom each time they have sex as this will further reduce the chance of infection as well as avoid unwanted pregnancy.
“Although many cultures and religions include circumcision in their traditions, it is important to note that only a full removal of the foreskin of the penis is effective in reducing the incidence of HIV infection.”
The Department of Health and Wellness encourages all men who are interested in reducing the incidence of HIV infection to consider the safe, hygienic voluntary medical male circumcision.
VMMC has kicked off in the Overstrand, and the department is calling on all boys 10 years and older to make an appointment to have the procedure.
“Our VMMC services are offered twice a week in the Overstrand at the Hermanus CDC and Hawston Clinic,” said Barends. “If you would like to make an appointment or have any questions regarding the procedure you are welcome to send me a WhatsApp on 081 067 7501.”
