Protection Against HIV for Non-Circumcised Men

The scientists discovered how to improve HIV protection for non-circumcised men.

HIV protection is better in circumcised men. (Photoxpress)

Did you know that it is harder for circumcised men to contract HIV than non-circumcised men? A simple solution that naturally strengthens the immune system against HIV infection has been found for men who are not circumcised.

Non-circumcised men are less protected from HIV

Circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection to 60%, particularly due to removal of Langerhan’s cells that are located in the foreskin and represent the main point of entry to the body for the virus.

Langerhan’s cells form a natural protection against HIV and the infection can only be transmitted if exposure to the virus is too large. Instead of removing the natural defence mechanism, scientists decided to strengthen it. They thickened the layer of keratin, which is located above Langerhan’s cells, thus reducing the level of exposure to the virus.

Estrogen can be effective in HIV protection for non-circumcised men

The method of thickening the keratin layer is taken from hormone therapy for women after menopause. Similar to the vagina, the foreskin is rich in estrogen receptors. The epithelium of the foreskin responds to estrogen in 24 hours and keratinisation lasts at least 5 days. Oestriol is a cheap natural estrogen metabolite which rapidly strengthens the keratin layer of the skin that represents the point of entry to the body for HIV. Strengthening of the keratin layer therefore reduces the exposure of Langerhan’s cells to HIV. 

Summary from the study: Pask AJ, McInnes KJ, Webb DR, Short RV (2008) Topical Oestrogen Keratinises “The Human Foreskin and May Help Prevent HIV Infection”.

Read more about HIV infection in our Lover's Guide.