Vagina

The vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. It extends from the vulva to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a membrane called the hymen. At the deep end, the cervix (neck of the uterus) bulges into the vagina. The vagina allows for sexual intercourse and birth.

The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse. To accommodate smoother penetration of the vagina during sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, vaginal moisture increases during sexual arousal in human females. This increase in moisture provides vaginal lubrication, which reduces friction. The texture of the vaginal walls creates friction for the peni] during sexual intercourse and stimulates it toward ejaculation, enabling fertilization.

Function of the male foreskin

Warren & Bigelow (1994) reported the foreskin "provides slack skin on the shaft of the erect penis allowing it to glide within its own sheath of skin during intercourse. This provides for more enjoyable intercourse for both partners and avoids problems with vaginal dryness."

Effect of the male foreskin on female sexual pleasure

O'Hara & O'Hara (1999) obtained surveys from 139 sexually experienced women. One survey was excluded. Of the 138 women included in the survey, 118 (85%} preferred their male partner to have a complete penis.

The authors reported:

When the anatomically complete penis thrusts in the vagina, it does not slide, but rather glides on its own 'bedding' of movable skin, in much the same way that a turtle's neck glides in and out of the folder layers of skin surrounding it. The underlying corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum slide within the penile skin, while the skin juxtaposed agaist the vaginal wall moves very little. This sheath-within-a-sheath alignment allows penile movement, and vaginal and penile stimulation, with minimal friction or loss of secretions. When the penile shaft is withdrawn slightly from the vagina, the foreskin bunches up behind the corona in a manner that allows the tip of the foreskin which contains the highest density of fine-touch neuroreceptors in the penis to contact the corona of the glans which has the highest concentration of fine-touch receptors on the glans. This intense stimulation discourages the penile shaft from further withdrawal, explaining the short thrusting style that women noted in their unaltered partners.

The authors explained the loss of vaginal lubrication:

As stated, circumcision removes 33-50% of the penile skin. With this skin missing, there is less tissue for the swollen corpus cavernosa and corpus spongiosum to slide against. Instead the skin of the circumcised penis rubs against the vaginal wall, increasing friction, abrasion and the need for artificial lubrication. Because of the tight penile skin, the corona of the glans, which is configured as a one-way valve pulls the vaginal secretions from the vagina when the shaft is withdrawn.

Bensley & Boyle (2003) suggested that the circumcision of the male partner and the loss of vaginal lubrication may be a factor the diagnosis of female arousal disorder.

It is now clear that the foreskin works within the vagina, to improve sensation, reduce friction, and conserve vaginal lubrication.

See also

• The Female Reproductive System

• Gliding action

• NSFW Sexual Intercourse. Retrieved 26 December 2020.