Changes

Although it was circumcision promoter [[Abraham L. Wolbarst]] (1914} once claimed that the human [[foreskin]] was filthy and harbored disease and [[infection]], <ref name="wolbarst1914">{{REFjournal |last=Wolbarst |first=Abraham L. |init=AL |author-link=Abraham L. Wolbarst |title=Universal Circumcision as a Sanitary Measure |journal=JAMA |date=1914-1-10 |volume=62 |issue=2 |pages=92-97 |url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/453164 |accessdate=2022-08-11}}</ref> in reality the opposite is true. The [[foreskin]] is designed by nature to be self -cleaning and to provide significant natural '''immunological and protective function''' against all types of [[infection]], including [[HIV]]. [[Connor Judson Garrett| Connor Garrett]] (2024) demolishes the myths falsely claiming health benefits of circumcision that have been promoted by the [[circumcision industry]] and cites the health, psychological, and sexual benefits of [[intactness]].<ref name="garrett2024-03-09">{{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/intact-penis-care/ |title=Intact Penis Care: Embracing Natural Well-being |last=Garrett |first=Connor |init= |author-link=Connor Judson Garrett |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-03-09 |accessdate=2024-05-15}}</ref>

The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The [[foreskin ]] protects the delicate [[glans]] of the [[penis]] and puts the [[urethra]] at a distance from its environment, protecting it from foreign pathogens and contaminants of all kinds while simultaneously shielding the [[penis ]] from injury. It is a double fold of [[skin]] which offers two layers of protection to prevent [[keratinization]] and maintain sensitivity.

At birth, the [[foreskin]] is usually attached to the [[glans ]] (head) of the [[penis ]] by a [[synechia]], akin to how a fingernail is attached to a finger.<ref>{{REFjournal

|date=19931933-11

|pages=387-3999

}}</ref> The [[preputial cavity sac]] is sealed by the synechia so it cannot be infected.

In infancy, the foreskin's tubular neck (prepucial orifice) is often long and narrow while the [[Dartos]] sphincter muscle in the tip of the [[foreskin ]] keeps its opening closed. This acts as an extension of the [[urethra]].<ref>{{REFjournal

Together, these properties prevent the entry of pathogens and contaminants.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998">{{FleissP HodgesF VanHoweRS 1998}}</ref> The [[foreskin ]] protects the infant [[glans penis ]] from ammonia in diapers (nappies) and prevents meatal ulcer and [[meatal stenosis]].<ref>{{GairdnerDM 1949}}</ref> <ref name="vanhowe2006">{{REFjournal

|url=https://d1wqtxts1xzle7journals.cloudfrontsagepub.netcom/33656363doi/Van_Howe_Clin_Ped_200610.pdf1177/000992280604500108?1399573860url_ver=Z39.88-2003&response-content-dispositionrfr_id=inline%3B+filename%3DIncidence_of_Meatal_Stenosis_following_Nori:rid:crossref.pdforg&Expiresrfr_dat=1602974532&Signature=c0vLOP5QyE~Gr-b3jxTxkHKho3-7JVFlzjQExgZDyf89M46AiiA7N6QedyvRdVokUiR~6gmFBmPLZLmP756vHGfnnLaxZBAvjYWLyf7JrmXopbbGMrEqu2tKHdpapwWFPMKJYZZTv26iWp39EjE1q~W17F9E1qz8YOVrkFVHJvdH-Uc57VGD2o06lsjrSfxufT8uCvYeviWVjOIo3gO4hkVQSguSx4-X0c-55FfXjuYSmxlGaXSwgw704QztZfr04m~lAWvlqAf0rqZrZqxI9q9NMzQxDjCPipIcIe-c4eMNFZzFILgZb6f66DlIhtmF3opM4Bs1i86On8wSx0NwPg__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZAcr_pub%20%200pubmed

Natural secretions of oil are achieved by sebaceous glands which are abound in the [[foreskin]]'s inner lining, these are not present in the [[glans penis]].<ref name="hyman-brownstein1969">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> They are also present in the eye lid eyelid and perform the same function in both places. They secrete the oils necessary to keep the [[glans ]] surface soft, moist, smooth, warm, sensitive, and with a healthy glistening red or purple color. This moisturizer also maintains PH balance, and optimal cleanliness. This is required to keep the surface of the glans healthy and clean via the cleaning effects of mucous secretions. Again, this function is analogous to the eye lid. The [[glans penis ]] is meant to be an internal organ covered and protected from the outside world.

In the genitally [[intact ]] [[penis ]] the [[urine]] stream flushes out the [[urethra]] and [[foreskin ]] of foreign microbes. In healthy individuals, [[urine]] is sterile and has a disinfectant quality. Researchers have demonstrated that the swirling action of [[urine]] as it rushes through the [[foreskin ]] flushes it out effortlessly and naturally.<ref name="parkash-jeykumar1973">{{REFjournal

Though [[urine]] passes through the [[foreskin ]] every day, the inner foreskin is remarkably free of urea — a by-product of liver metabolism that is secreted in [[urine]]. Studies demonstrate that washings from the foreskin are rich in fructose, acid phosphatase, and mucin, but never urea. It appears that the secretions of [[seminal vesicles]], prostate, and [[urethra]]l mucous glands, collectively or individually, keep the foreskin clear and clean as well.<ref>{{REFjournal

The idea that the foreskin is "dirty" or "unclean" is a scientifically unfounded superstition. The [[intact ]] [[penis ]] is naturally clean and maintains a level of hygiene that is optimal when compared to a [[penis ]] that has been altered by [[circumcision]].<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" />

In comparison, due to the open wounds and raw [[bleeding ]] fleshin a diaper, the [[circumcised ]] [[penis ]] needs much more care after [[circumcision]]. The surgically externalized [[glans ]] is dirty rather then clean because of constant exposure to dirt, abrasion , pathogens, and contaminants.<ref name="vanhowe1997">{{REFjournal

|url=https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1464-410X.1997.00467.x

}}</ref> [[Circumcised ]] boys are also found to be more likely to develop [[balanitis]], [[meatitis]], [[Skin bridge| coronal adhesions ]], and [[meatal stenosis]].<ref name="vanhowe1997"/>

Excessive After retraction commences, excessive washing and the use of soap inside the [[foreskin ]] should be avoided.<refname="birley1993">{{REFjournal

|title=Clinical Features and management of recurrentbalanitis; association with atopy and genitalwashing]

|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1195128/pdf/genitmed00029-0074.pdf

The foreskin's inner fold and the [[glans ]] of the [[penis ]] are comprised of [[Preputial mucosa|mucous membrane]] tissue. These are also present in your eyes, mouth, and all other bodily orifices including the female genitals. These are the first line of immunological defense for the body's orifices. These mucous membranes perform many immunological and hygienic functions.

It is also very important to note that [[Langerhans cells]] that are present in the [[foreskin ]] produce ''Langerin'', a substance that has been proven to kill human immunodeficency immunodeficiency virus ([[HIV]]) on contact.<ref>{{REFjournal |last=de Witte |init=L |last2=Nabatov |init2=A |last3=Pion |init3=M |DeWitte etal=yes |url=http://www.cirp.org/news/healthday2007-03-05/ |title=Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 transmission by Langerhans cells |journal=Nat Med |date=2007-03 |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=367-371 |accessdate=2019-10-20}}</ref>

<!--In infancy, simple sugars in breast milk, like antibacterial oligosaccharides, are acquired from the mother's milk and excreted in [[urineBreastfeeding]]. University studies have shown that these substances cling to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the inner foreskin and protect provides additional protection against urinary tract infections,<ref>Hanson LA, Karlsson B, Jalil F, ''et al''. Antiviral and antibacterial factors in human milk. In: Hanson LA, ed. ''Biology of Human Milk''. New York Raven Press; 1988. pp. 141-57</ref> as well as infections in other parts of the body.<ref>Coppa GV, Gabrielli O, Giorgi P, Catassi C, Montanari MP, Veraldo PE, Nichols BL. Preliminary study of breast feeding and bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells. ''Lancet'' 1990 Mar 10;335(8689):569-71.</ref> Babies excrete in their [[urine]] about 300-500 milligrams of oligosaccharides each day. These compounds prevent virulent strains of ''Escherichia coli'' from adhering to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the entire urinary tract, including the foreskin and glans. For these reasons breast-milk is highly efficacious at preventing UTI.<ref>Gothefors L, Olling S, Winberg J. Breastfeeding and biological properties of faecal ''E. coli'' strains. ''Acta Paediatr Scand'' 1975 Nov;54(6):807-12.</ref> Rigorous studies have repeatedly demonstrated that breast feeding protects against urinary tract infections.<ref>Mårild S. Breastfeeding and Urinary Tract Infections. ''Lancet'' 1990;336:942.</ref> <ref>Pisacane A, ''et al''. Breastfeeding and urinary tract infection. ''The Lancet'', July 7, 1990, p50 </ref> <ref>Pisacane A, Graziano L, Mazzarella G, ''et al''. Breast-feeding and urinary tract infection. ''J Pediatr'' 1992;120:87-89.</ref> Researchers have shown that premature foreskin retraction can expose the penis to hospital strains of ''Escherichia coli'' and can result in UTI.<ref>Winberg J ''et al''. The prepuce: A mistake of nature? ''Lancet'' 1989, pp.598-99.</ref> Hence the protective function of the foreskin is in the child's best interest, especially during chemically treated diaper wearing years where feces mixed with [[urine]] can not only contaminate the permanently exposed urinary meatus but also the [[amputation]] wound from the circumcision surgery itself. It is important to note that women have a higher risk of UTI. This is because the shorter [[urethra]] offers less protection via the immunological function of the [[urethra]]'s [[mucosa]]l lining. By the same observation we see that the tubular tip of the foreskin and its [[mucosa]]l lining act as an extension of the [[urethra]], hence providing more of that same protection via [[mucosa]] immunology and the adherence of antibacterial substances in breast milk. Understandably, removal of the foreskin destroys all this functionality.-->