Immunological and protective function of the foreskin: Difference between revisions
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Although circumcision promoter [[Abraham L. Wolbarst]] (1914} once claimed that the human [[foreskin]] was filthy and harbored disease and [[infection]],<ref name="wolbarst1914">{{REFjournal | Although Jewish 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 | |last=Wolbarst | ||
|first=Abraham L. | |first=Abraham L. | ||
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|accessdate=2022-08-11 | |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]]. | }}</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 efficacy of these various protective functions of the [[foreskin]] have now been demonstrated. Fendereski et al. (2024) reported a massive study using data from a private insurance company database that found that [[circumcised]] boys have three times as many penile issues as compared with [[intact]] boys through age 5. This study matched 852,051 [[circumcised]] boys with 852,051 [[intact]] boys who served as controls,<ref name="fendereski2024">{{REFjournal | |||
|last=Fendereski | |||
|first= | |||
|init=K | |||
|author-link= | |||
|last2=Horns | |||
|first2= | |||
|init2=JJ | |||
|author2-link= | |||
|last3=Driggs | |||
|first3= | |||
|init3=N | |||
|author3-link= | |||
|last4=Lau | |||
|first4= | |||
|init4=G | |||
|author4-link= | |||
|last5=Shaeffer | |||
|first5= | |||
|init5=AJ | |||
|author5-link= | |||
|etal=no | |||
|title=Comparing Penile Problems in Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised Boys: Insights From a Large Commercial Claims Database With a Focus on Provider Type Performing Circumcision | |||
|trans-title= | |||
|language= | |||
|journal=J Pediatr Surg | |||
|date=2024-11 | |||
|volume=59 | |||
|issue=11 | |||
|article=161614 | |||
|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002234682400407X | |||
|archived= | |||
|quote= | |||
|pubmedID=39084960 | |||
|pubmedCID=11486584 | |||
|DOI=10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.06.022 | |||
|accessdate=2025-01-03 | |||
}}</ref> so it is very strong statistically. | |||
== The protective and hygienic function of the foreskin == | == The protective and hygienic function of the foreskin == | ||
The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The [[foreskin]] | The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The [[foreskin]] provides physical protection of 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 traumatic injury.<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 | ||
|last=Van Howe | |||
|init=RS | |||
|author-link= | |||
|title=Incidence of meatal stenosis following neonatal circumcision in a primary care setting | |||
|journal=Clin Pediatr (Phila) | |||
|volume=45 | |||
|issue=1 | |||
|pages=49-54 | |||
|url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/000992280604500108?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed | |||
|quote= | |||
|pubmedID=16429216 | |||
|pubmedCID= | |||
|DOI=10.1177/000992280604500108 | |||
|date=2006-01 | |||
|accessdate=2020-01-09 | |||
|note=Jan-Feb 2006 | |||
}}</ref> 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 | 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 | ||
| Line 55: | Line 123: | ||
|pages=243-249 | |pages=243-249 | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
Together, these properties prevent the entry of pathogens and contaminants.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" | Together, these properties prevent the entry of pathogens and contaminants.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" /> <ref>{{REFjournal | ||
|last=Upadhyay | |last=Upadhyay | ||
|init=V | |init=V | ||
| Line 143: | Line 194: | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
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" /> | 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]] flesh in 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 | In comparison, due to the open wounds and raw [[bleeding]] flesh in 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 | ||
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|last=Hill | |last=Hill | ||
|author-link=George Hill | |author-link=George Hill | ||
|url= | |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/hill1/ | ||
|title=Summary of evidence that the foreskin and lysozyme may protect against HIV infection | |title=Summary of evidence that the foreskin and lysozyme may protect against HIV infection | ||
|date=2003-09-07 | |date=2003-09-07 | ||
|accessdate=2019-10-20 | |accessdate=2019-10-20 | ||
}}</ref> <ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" /> | }}</ref><ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/> | ||
Apocrine glands also produce cytokine,<ref>{{REFjournal | Apocrine glands also produce cytokine,<ref>{{REFjournal | ||
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All of these function to sequester and “digest” foreign pathogens. All these substances play an important role in protecting the penis from viral and bacterial pathogens. The immunological functions of the human prepuce have been extensively documented by respected researchers for quite some time.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" /> | All of these function to sequester and “digest” foreign pathogens. All these substances play an important role in protecting the penis from viral and bacterial pathogens. The immunological functions of the human prepuce have been extensively documented by respected researchers for quite some time.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" /> | ||
[[Breastfeeding]] provides additional protection against [[urinary tract infection]]. | |||
{{SEEALSO}} | {{SEEALSO}} | ||
* [[Balanitis]] | |||
* [[Breastfeeding]] | * [[Breastfeeding]] | ||
* [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]] | |||
* [[Circumcision and HIV]] | |||
* [[Circumcision and STDs]] | * [[Circumcision and STDs]] | ||
* [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | * [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | ||
* [[Foreskin]] | * [[Foreskin]] | ||
| Line 360: | Line 416: | ||
|accessdate=2020-06-05 | |accessdate=2020-06-05 | ||
}} | }} | ||
* {{REFweb | |||
|url=https://www.cirp.org/library/hygiene/ | |||
|title=Penile hygiene in the intact non-circumcised male | |||
|last=Anonymous | |||
|first= | |||
|init= | |||
|author-link= | |||
|publisher=Circumcision Information Reference Library | |||
|date=2013 | |||
|accessdate=2025-03-01 | |||
}} | |||
* {{REFweb | |||
|url=https://intactamerica.org/science-of-skin-and-foreskin/ | |||
|title=The Science Behind Skin and Its Role in Protecting Our Bodies | |||
|last=Cartwright-Smith | |||
|first=Jeffrey | |||
|init= | |||
|author-link=Jeffrey Cartwright-Smith | |||
|publisher=[[Intact America]] | |||
|date=2025-09-18 | |||
|accessdate=2025-10-02 | |||
}} | |||
==Conclusion== | |||
Most mammals have a foreskin. The [[foreskin]] evolved over millions of years to provide protection in difficult environments against [[trauma]] and [[infection]]. The various protections described in this article work best when the foreskin is of sufficient length to securely cover and protect the [[penis]] with the tip of the foreskin puckered closed by the [[dartos]] fascia at all times to protect against entry of irritants and pathogens. Urine has a healthy microbiome<ref name="cold-taylor1999">{{ColdCJ TaylorJR 1999}}</ref> when it leaves the urethra and is helpful for flushing out the [[foreskin]] and keeping it clean. | |||
Many ill-informed sources will advise [[foreskinned]] men to retract their [[foreskin]] and wash their [[penis]] at least daily. This advice ignores the findings of medical science.<ref name="birley1993"/> Retraction of the foreskin provides an opportunity for pathogens to enter. Washing removes the protective substances found in the [[preputial sac]]. | |||
Washing with warm water is recommended before and after a sexual encounter and as necessary to remove accumulated [[smegma]]. The use of soap, body wash, and shampoo in the [[preputial sac]] should be avoided. | |||
{{REF}} | {{REF}} | ||
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[[Category:Education]] | [[Category:Education]] | ||
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]] | [[Category:Foreskin anatomy]] | ||
[[Category:Foreskinned life]] | |||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||
[[Category:Parental information]] | [[Category:Parental information]] | ||