Gliding action: Difference between revisions

The term "'''Gliding action'''" is used to describe the way the [[foreskin]] moves during [[sexual intercourse]]. The foreskin is internally lubricated with body fluid, so it glides frictionlessly over the shaft and [[Preputial mucosa|inner layer]] of foreskin. This mechanism was described by Lakshamanan & Prakash (1980), stating that "[t]he outer layer of the prepuce in common with the [[shaft skin|skin of the shaft]] of the [[penis]] glides freely in a to and fro fashion..."<ref>{{REFjournal

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==The [[foreskinned]], intact penis==

Several people have argued that the gliding movement of the foreskin is important during [[sexual intercourse]]. [[John Warren| Warren]] & [[Jim Bigelow|Bigelow]] (1994) state that gliding action would help to reduce the effects of vaginal dryness and that restoration of the gliding action is an important advantage of [[foreskin restoration]].<ref name="warren-bigelow">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> Taylor (2000) suggests that the gliding action, where it occurs, may stimulate the nerves of the [[ridged band]],<ref>{{REFjournal

}}</ref> and speculates (2003) that the stretching of the [[frenulum]] by the rearward [[gliding action]] during penetration triggers ejaculation.<ref>{{REFjournal

}}</ref> When the [[foreskin]] glides, all of the [[skin]] of the penis moves, so stimulation of the [[Meissner's corpuscles]] in the [[skin]] ''occurs over the whole length of the penis''.<ref name="garcía-mesa2021">{{REFjournal

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Taves (2002) reported that the presence and motion of the [[foreskin]] greatly reduces the force required for intromission of the penis into the [[vagina]].<ref name="taves2002">{{REFjournal

==The circumcised penis==

Removal of the foreskin permanently exposes the [[glans penis]], tightens the [[shaft skin]] and reduces or eliminates gliding action. It also results in [[keratinization]] or callousing of the [[glans penis]] because of chafing and abrasion from clothing, leading to loss of sensation.  Removal of the [[foreskin]] can lead to trauma of the penis (friction irritation) during [[masturbation]] due to the loss of the gliding action of the foreskin and greater friction, requiring the need of artificial lubrication.  During sex, the loss of gliding action is also thought to cause pain, dryness, and trauma to the [[vagina]] of the female partner.<ref name="warren-bigelow"/>  The trauma and abrasions of the vagina can lead to easier entry of [[Circumcision and STDs| sexually transmitted diseases]].<ref name="Bullough2014">{{REFbook

One study showed that the loss of the [[foreskin]] resulted in decreased masturbatory pleasure and sexual enjoyment.<ref name='KimPang2007'>{{REFjournal

|date=2007-03

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==The restored penis==

 

Non-surgical [[foreskin restoration]] by [[tissue expansion]] increases [[skin]] mobility, restores the gliding action, and improves [[Foreskin#Sexual_functions| sexual function]].