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The [[foreskin]] evolved over hundreds of thousands of years in men and animals to provide protective functions that enhance survival. It provides protection to the penis from [[trauma]] and [[infection]].<ref name="cold-taylor1999">{{ColdCJ TaylorJR 1999}}</ref> Its presence prevents [[meatal stenosis]] and [[keratinization]].
Nature provides two means to prevent retraction of the [[foreskin]] during the developmental period. <ref>{{REFweb |url=https://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/for-professionals/alleged-medical-benefits/phimosis-balantis/ |title=Phimosis and Balanitis |last=Anonymous |first= |init= |author-link= |publisher=Doctors Opposing Circumcision |date=2016 |accessdate=2025-10-22}}</ref> 1) The inner surface of the foreskin is fused with the underlying [[glans penis]] by a common [[synechia]] to prevent retraction. Forcible retraction will tear the synechia so should be avoided. 2) Nature provides a second method is provided to prevent retraction by making the tip of the immature foreskin too narrow to pass over the [[glans penis]]. The first person to retract a boy's foreskin should be the boy himself.<ref name="Wright1994">{{REFjournal
|last=Wright
|init=JE