Gliding action: Difference between revisions

The term "'''Gliding action'''" is used to describe the way the [[foreskin]] moves during [[sexual intercourse]].<ref name="hill2007">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> 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

}}</ref> The gliding action allows for prolonged intercourse.<ref>{{REFbook

Several people have argued that the gliding movement of the [[intact]] 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> and speculated (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

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 residual [[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 [[Masturbation#Lubrication| 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

}}</ref>

 

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