Posts tagged as:

sexually transmitted disease

Does circumcision really lower STD risk?

by Kristin Cantu on January 7, 2010

child circumcisionA group of doctors from the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins are pushing the case for neonatal circumcision. They argue that recent studies show that circumcision is an effective method for reducing the risk of catching certain sexually transmitted diseases.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ stance has been that there isn’t enough evidence to recommend routine circumcision. However, they are reviewing evidence this year to determine if they should update their recommendations.

Children’s Hiep Nguyen, MD, co-director of the Center for Robotic Surgery and director of Robotic Surgery Research and Training, answers common questions about circumcision.

What are your reasons for choosing to or opting not to have your son circumcised?

4 comments

More and more teens infected with STDs

by Kristin Cantu on November 17, 2009

Teenage girl in trouble with parentsThe CDC just released its annual report on sexually transmitted diseases and the results for teens are pretty disturbing. Although 15- to 24-year-olds represent only 25% of the sexually experienced population, they acquire nearly half of all new STDs.

The report notes that sexually active teens are at a higher risk of contracting an STD because of a combination of behavioral, biological and cultural reasons. Barriers to accessing quality STD prevention services– like lack of insurance and transportation, or concerns about confidentiality, may also play a big role, the study concludes. Full story »

3 comments