Dr Mukudu and Partners

Free medical male circumcision is offered as part of public health programs due to its numerous health benefits,

1. Reduced Risk of HIV Transmission: Medical studies have shown that circumcision can reduce the risk of heterosexual men acquiring HIV by approximately 60%. This is particularly relevant in high HIV prevalence regions where reducing new infections is critical.

2. Lower Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Circumcised men have a lower risk of contracting certain STIs, such as syphilis, genital herpes (HSV-2), and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to genital warts and penile cancer.

3. Improved Hygiene: Circumcision facilitates better genital hygiene by removing the foreskin, which can harbor bacteria and viruses, reducing the likelihood of infections such as balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis) and phimosis (tightening of the foreskin that prevents it from retracting).

4. Reduced Risk of Penile Cancer: Research indicates that circumcised men have a significantly lower risk of developing penile cancer, which is rare but often severe. This reduced risk is linked to the lower incidence of HPV infections and improved hygiene.

5. Decreased Risk of Cervical Cancer for Female Partners: Circumcised men are less likely to transmit high-risk strains of HPV to their female partners, thereby indirectly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

6. Lower Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Circumcision is associated with a lower risk of urinary tract infections, especially during infancy, which can be more severe in uncircumcised males.

• Holistic Care: Rather than focusing solely on reproductive or gynaecological health, overall women’s health encompasses a wide range of medical aspects, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This means considering factors such as lifestyle, family history, nutrition, exercise, and stress levels, which can impact a woman's health.

• Preventive Health Screenings: Regular preventive screenings are an essential part of overall care. These include breast exams, Pap smears, pelvic exams, bone density tests, and screenings for cardiovascular diseases. The goal is to detect any potential health issues early and provide timely intervention.

• Management of Chronic Conditions: Women often face specific chronic conditions like osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, thyroid diseases, and heart disease. The focus on overall health involves monitoring, managing, and preventing complications related to these conditions through personalized care plans.

• Mental and Emotional Well-being: Women’s health also includes attention to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and stress-related disorders. This can include screenings, counseling, support systems, and interventions tailored to their specific needs

• Personalized Contraceptive Counselling: Contraceptive care involves helping women make informed decisions about family planning and reproductive health. Personalized counselling provides an understanding of the different contraceptive options, including their benefits, side effects, and effectiveness based on individual needs and medical history.

• Addressing Underlying Health Concerns: Contraceptive care is also an opportunity to address other underlying health concerns, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or menstrual irregularities. This involves not only managing symptoms but also providing guidance on how contraceptive methods can alleviate certain conditions.

Integrated Approach

By combining overall health and contraceptive care, healthcare providers aim to treat women as individuals with unique health journeys. This integrated approach ensures that their reproductive choices are in sync with their general health needs, empowering them to achieve better health outcomes at every stage of life.

This emphasis on holistic care means not only offering medical solutions but also fostering an environment where women feel supported, educated, and empowered to make the best choices for their health and well-being.