According to recent updates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 75 percent of all adolescents and adults diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2007 were male. The largest category of people infected with HIV and AIDS were men who have sex with men (MSM). This group accounted for 53 percent of the total HIV/AIDS diagnoses and 71 percent of the diagnoses made amongst men.

The statistics have been released while the CDC debates its support of male circumcision as a measure to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. In the past, circumcision was thought to prevent the transmission of HIV. For this reason, the government has considered supporting circumcision for all males in the United States.

According to an article by the Associated Press, however, the CDC recently reported that circumcision is not considered beneficial in preventing the transmission of HIV in gay men.

During the 2009 National HIV Prevention Conference, researchers presented their findings from the largest study ever conducted on this topic (see related Beacon news). Their study shows that circumcision helped prevent the spread of HIV in heterosexual men in Africa, but not in homosexual men.

The CDC is still “considering whether there is sufficient scientific evidence to make any recommendations for men who have sex with men,” said Jennifer Ruth Horvath of the CDC.

Although circumcision may not be beneficial to gay men, the CDC may still support the procedure for male babies and for heterosexual men.

Despite the large number of HIV/AIDS diagnoses made amongst males, general statistics pertaining to new cases and deaths from HIV/AIDS have remained stable over the past several years. The most recent data show that deaths from HIV and AIDS decreased in 2007, while the number of new cases remained fairly stable.

With advanced treatments and greater awareness, HIV and AIDS care has drastically improved in the past decade. By assessing new developments, and creating appropriate guidelines, the CDC hopes to continue this trend.

For more information, please see the CDC Fact Sheet on HIV/AIDS.