Manual for Male Circumcision under Local Anaesthesia

Male circumcision under local anaesthesia
Version 3.1 (Dec09)
• working to end harmful sexual practices, such as female genital
mutilation and “dry sex”;
• sharing financial resources with women, and supporting the notion
of shared property rights;
• supporting women’s full participation in civil society, including their
access to social, political and educational opportunities, many of
which have a direct or indirect impact on women’s health;
• supporting the rights of daughters to the same health care,
education, and respect as sons.
Who should provide sexual and reproductive health services and
information to boys and men
A wide range of people and organizations can provide sexual and
reproductive health services and information to boys and men. Some
of the key providers are listed below. 4
• Parents. Ideally, boys and young men should receive information
and basic education on sexual and reproductive health from their
parents. However, available data suggest that less than half of
boys and young men discuss HIV/AIDS, STIs or family planning
with their parents.
• Teachers. Many adolescent boys now receive some education on
health, family life and sexuality in school. However, for some, the
instruction comes after they have begun having sexual
intercourse.
• Peers. Boys and men of all ages often get information on sexual
and reproductive issues from their peers. Much of this information,
however, may be inaccurate. One approach is to educate key
youth leaders, who can then pass on accurate information to their
peers. This has to be an ongoing process, to reach each new
generation or group of young men.
• Community-based organizations. Places of worship and youth
groups are important sources of information, and also provide an
opportunity for counselling and skill-building in relation to sexuality,
relationships, marriage and parenting. In some cases, the only
method taught for preventing pregnancy and STIs is sexual
abstinence, despite the fact that young people find it difficult to
adhere to abstinence. As a result, they may not know how to
protect themselves from risk when they become sexually active. 5, 6
• Family planning clinics. Some family planning clinics reach out
to men, particularly to the partners of their female clients. The
availability of male health care providers and separate consultation
sessions for men may encourage men to use these services.
Although family planning clinics have a long history of providing
both medical and counselling services, many men see them as
being only for women; equally, some providers may be
uncomfortable serving men.
• Youth-friendly services. Some countries have developed
programmes that specifically address the needs of young people,
Linking male circumcision and other male SRH services Chapter 2-6