Prepex—new male circumcision device

Men can now rest easy because there is a new device, PrePex, which was recently been approved by the World Health Organisation as an alternative to surgical circumcision. PrePex simplifies the procedure and improves men’s experiences.

Circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV infection by approximately 60 percent. Surgical circumcision has been scaled up in a number of countries, including Malawi whose target is to circumcise 250 000 men by 2015. However, for some men fear of surgical circumcision deters them from “doing the right thing”.

PrePex does not require surgery, anaesthetics or stitches. It is effective, safe and can be used in non-sterile environments. The device works by sliding a grooved ring which clamps the foreskin, the ring is left on the foreskin for seven days. The client can continue their usual activities (except sex of course) as the ring does not cause any discomfort while the device is in place, men should care for their hygiene and urinate as usual. The foreskin is a tissue, by clamping it off it gets deprived of the body’s nutrients, the tissue dies off slowly, when the client returns after seven days the ring and the dead foreskin is removed without any blood. Application and removal of the device takes no more than five minutes. After removal of ring and foreskin, similar to surgical circumcision, the client has to wait for six weeks before resuming any sexual activity.

There are a number of benefits for men who use PrePex: no needles, no loss of blood, various sizes designed to minimise discomfort during involuntary erections, a quick return to regular routine immediately after procedure, it looks better because there are no sutures or stitches, the experience is less intimidating because it is not done in an operating theatre, the ring is very discreet—it cannot be seen through clothing.

Is PrePex available in Malawi? Not really sure, but the US Global Aids coordinator, Ambassador Eric P. Goosby said, “Pepfar (President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief) is ready to support countries that wish to introduce PrePex right away. This announcement [PrePex approval by WHO] will truly help save lives. “