HIV Media Guide
Information for journalists
Circumcision
A number of research studies have shown that male circumcision reduces the risk of men acquiring HIV through heterosexual sex. Male circumcision may also give some protection to the female partners of HIV-positive men.
Studies of circumcision among gay men have not shown that circumcision would have a significant impact on the transmission of HIV among men who have sex with men.
Circumcision is not considered a significant HIV prevention strategy for gay men in Australia, where the majority of transmissions occur among men who have sex with men.
Condoms and other options for preventing sexual transmission are readily available in Australia – for gay men and also for heterosexual people.
