Non-Surgical Circumcision: PrePex Device Hopes To Decrease HIV And AIDS Cases

A non-surgial circumcision device has been approved by the World Health Organization according to Fox News. The device, PrePex, is the first of its' kind and health professionals are hoping to use the new device to decrease the amount of HIV contraction in Africa.

According to The New York Times, PrePex comes in five sizes and "the band compresses the foreskin against a plastic ring slipped inside it; the foreskin dies within hours for lack of blood and, after a week, falls off or can be clipped off." The procedure requires two nurses and a topical anesthesia is used. Health professionals believe the procedure is "safer than surgery."

Dr. Eric P. Goosby, the United States Global AIDS Coordinator, reportedly told The New York Times the new invention would "truly help save lives." It's believed that circumcision "lowers the chance of a heterosexual male contracting HIV, or the virus that causes AIDS, through sexual intercourse by about 60 percent." Dr. Goosby is hoping the new device can be spread throughout Africa with funding from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Africa is known for having a high population of HIV and not enough medical help. AIDS and HIV organizations have tried there best to provide Africa with medical assistance but still fall short.

Circumcisions are to be done by licensed surgeons where as it has been reported that PrePex can be administered by nurses who have completed a three day training. PrePex's competitor, the Shang Ring, is also being considered but requires more scientific data to be implemented.

The news comes a week after Sir Richard's, a condom company, teamed up with the Partners in Health to stylishly package condoms that will appeal to an evolving public. For every condom sold, one will be donated to Haiti.

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