Sex after “the snip”

Because women often test for HIV sooner than men in, they may know and disclose their HIV statuses before their male partners. Studies have shown this can put women at risk of verbal and physical violence as they are unfairly blamed for allegedly bringing HIV into a relationship. (File photo) Because women often test for HIV sooner than men in, they may know and disclose their HIV statuses before their male partners. Studies have shown this can put women at risk of verbal and physical violence as they are unfairly blamed for allegedly bringing HIV into a relationship. (File photo)

One couple talks to Health-e News about sex after “the snip” of medical male circumcision. Read More

Khosi Masina from Jabulani, Soweto started dating her boyfriend, Gladwin May, shortly after he was medically circumcised in October 2013. Although Khosi did not divulge whether this was her first sexual encounter with a circumcised man, she said she has noticed a difference in the bedroom.

“There is a huge difference, he takes longer to reach orgasm,” Khosi told Health-e News. “I’m enjoying him.”

Large studies in countries like South Africa, Kenya and Uganda have shown that medical male circumcision can reduce a man’s risk of contracting HIV by up to 60 percent. However, medical male circumcision only provides some protection from HIV so Khosi and Gladwin have taken health workers’ advice and still use condoms to ensure they stay HIV negative.

“We always use condoms,” says Khosi, who adds that condoms can also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). “Since we have been together, I have never been infected with an STI or something like that – I feel really protected with him.”

“The sex is so pleasurable,” she adds.

Gladwin’s happy he chose to be medically circumcised and often encourages his friends to go for the quick procedure.

“I am not only protecting myself from HIV and STIs, but I am protecting my partner as well,” Gladwin says. “Even the sex is much better.” – Health-e News Service.

An edited version of this article was first published in the 6 November edition of the Daily Sun newspaper. It was subsequently republished in siSwati in the 5 December edition of Khanyisa Media