Changes

The word ''foreskin'foreskin' is a cognate of the German word ''Vorhaut' or '. The word ''prepuce''' is a cognate of the double-layered fold of smooth muscle tissueFrench word ''prépuce'', blood vesselswhich is derived from Latin ''praeputium''. ''Foreskin'' is more commonally used in speech, neurons, [[skin]], and [[mucosa| mucous membrane]] part of the [[penis]] that covers and protects the [[glans penis]] and the [[urinary meatus]]while ''prepuce'' is more commonly seen in scientific literature.

The nature '''foreskin''' or '''prepuce''' is the double-layered fold of smooth muscle tissue, blood vessels, neurons, [[skin]], and [[mucosa| mucous membrane]] part of the [[penis]] that creates the prepuce or foreskin[[preputial sac]], which is amputated while covering and destroyed by circumcision, must be considered protecting the [[glans penis]] and fully understood in any discussion of male the [[circumcisionurinary meatus]].<ref name="cold-taylor1999">{{ColdCJ TaylorJR 1999}}</ref>

The nature of the prepuce or foreskin, which is [[Amputation| amputated]] and destroyed by circumcision, must be considered and fully understood in any discussion of male [[circumcision]].<ref name="cold-taylor1999">{{ColdCJ TaylorJR 1999}}</ref> Purpura et al. (2018) describe described the foreskin as follows:

Few parts of the human anatomy can compare to the incredibly multifaceted nature of the human foreskin. At times dismissed as “just [[skin]],” the adult foreskin is, in fact, a highly vascularized and densely innervated bilayer tissue, with a surface area of up to 90 cm, and potentially larger. On average, the foreskin accounts for 51% of the total length of the penile [[shaft skin]] and serves a multitude of functions. The tissue is highly dynamic and biomechanically functions like a roller bearing; during intercourse, the foreskin “unfolds” and glides as abrasive friction is reduced and lubricating fluids are retained. The sensitive foreskin is considered to be the primary erogenous zone of the male [[penis]] and is divided into four subsections: [[Preputial mucosa|inner mucosa]], [[ridged band]], [[frenulum]], and outer foreskin; each section contributes to a vast spectrum of sensory pleasure through the [[gliding action]] of the foreskin, which mechanically stretches and stimulates the densely packed corpuscular receptors. Specialized immunological properties should be noted by the presence of [[[Langerhans cells]] and other lytic materials, which defend against common microbes, and there is robust evidence supporting [[HIV]] protection. The [[glans penis| glans]] and inner [[mucosa]] are physically protected against external irritation and contaminants while maintaining a healthy, moist surface. The foreskin is also immensely vascularized and acts as a conduit for essential blood vessels within the [[penis]], such as supplying the [[glans]] via the frenular artery.<ref>{{REFjournal

== Structure ==The foreskin is considered to have three parts:* The outer foreskin which is coverer with true [[skin]].* The inner foreskin and [[ridged band]] which is covered with mucosal membrane. ([[Mucosa]])* The [[frenulum]] which connects the foreskin to the [[glans penis]] and usually limits retraction. The inner and outer adult foreskin together contain about 15 square inches of skin.

Baby boys are born with the foreskin fused with the [[glans penis]] by the balanopreputial lamina, a [[synechia| synechial membrane]], which prevents retraction. In addition, the tip of the foreskin ([[acroposthion]]) is usually too narrow to allow [[retraction of the foreskin]], but usually widens as [[puberty]] approaches to permit retraction. The preputial cavity is closed by the synechia and cannot be infected.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/>

Forcible attempts to retract the foreskin result in injury to the boy, so should be avoided. The first person to retract the foreskin should be the boy himselfsince he will not retract if it is painful.<ref name="Wright1994">{{REFjournal

The foreskin (also known as the prepuce) is the doublemay be retractable or non-layered fold of smooth muscle tissue, blood vessels, neurons, [[skin]], and [[Preputial mucosa|mucous membrane]] part of the penis that covers and protects the [[glans penis]] and the urinary meatusretractable.<ref name="cold-taylor1999"/> The adult Most men have a retractable foreskin measures , but about 3 inches by 5 inches or [[The Foreskin: 15 Square Inches of Erogenous Tissue| 15 square inches]].<ref name="taylor1996">{{TaylorJR LockwoodAP TaylorAJ 1996}}</ref> The two foreskin layers provide to five percent have a [[skin]] reserve. When the penis becomes erectlonger, tighter, the non-retractable foreskin may wholly or partially unfold to provide the necessary [[skin]] to allow for expansion of the penis during [[erection]], which is a normal variant.

The foreskin (also known as the ''prepuce'') is the layered fold of smooth muscle tissue, blood vessels, neurons, [[skin]], and [[Preputial mucosa|mucous membrane]] part of the [[penis]] that covers and protects the [[glans penis]] and the urinary meatus.<ref name="cold-taylor1999"/> There are four layers of tissue in the foreskin. The top layer is either epidermis in the outer foreskin or [[mucosa]], in the inner foreskin. The second layer is the lamina propria. The third layer is the [[dartos]]. The fourth layer is the dermis. It is normal for the foreskin to become darker in color than the rest of one's body after [[puberty]]. This condition is called hyperpigmentation.  The adult foreskin measures about 3 inches by 5 inches or [[The Foreskin: 15 Square Inches of Erogenous Tissue| 15 square inches]].<ref name="taylor1996">{{TaylorJR LockwoodAP TaylorAJ 1996}}</ref> The foreskin creates the [[preputial sac]]. The two foreskin layers provide a [[skin]] reserve. When the penis becomes erect, the foreskin may wholly or partially unfold to provide the necessary [[skin]] to allow for expansion of the penis during [[erection]]. The foreskin is the movable part of the [[penis]]. The foreskin is not attached to the underlying structure and is free to [[gliding action| glide back and forth]].<ref name="lakshmanan-prakash1980">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> The foreskin is internally lubricated between the inner and outer layer by [[lymph]], so it can move without friction. The [[gliding action]] reduces the friction of intercourse and helps to prevent abrasions, while conserving vaginal lubrication and moisture.<ref name="warren-bigelow1994">{{REFjournal

The epithelium of the outer layer of the foreskin is true [[skin]] while the epithelium of the inner layer is [[Preputial mucosa|mucosal membrane]]. There is a mucocutaneous boundary at the tip of the foreskin. The mucocutaneous junction is a specific erogenous zone.,<ref name="winklemann1959">{{REFjournal |last=Winkelmann |init=RK |author-link= |title=The erogenous zones: their nerve supply and significance |journal=Mayo Clin Proc |date=WinkelmannRK 1959-01-21 |volume=34 |issue=3 |pages=39-47 |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/winkelmann/ |quote= |pubmedID=13645790 |pubmedCID= |DOI= |accessdate=2019-10-14}}</ref> Taylor et al. reported:

The vascular ridges of the `ridged band' and its [[Meissner's corpuscles]] firmly separate preputial epithelium from true [[skin]] and place preputial [[mucosa]] amongst other mucocutaneous [[mucosa]]e. Winkelmann emphasized the structural and functional importance of junctional regions of the body and focused on mucocutaneous end-organs, or `genital corpuscles', of the [[glans penis ]] and prepuce. Some of these end-organs resemble Krause end-bulbs; others resemble [[Meissner's corpuscles]]. … [[Meissner's corpuscles]] of the prepuce may be compared with similar nerve-endings in the finger-tips and lips, which respond in a fraction of a second to contact with light objects that bring about deformation of their capsules. … The prepuce provides a large and important platform for several nerves and nerve endings. The innervation of the outer [[skin]] of the prepuce is impressive; its sensitivity to light touch and pain are similar to that of the [[skin]] of the penis as a whole.<ref name="taylor1996" />

The highly innervated [[ridged band]] area is found at the mucocutaneous junction. The ridged band area is characterized by rete ridges with [[Meissner's corpuscles]] in the ridges.<ref name="taylor1996"/>

As with other neurologic structures such as the brain, the tip of the prepuce is richly supplied with blood by important vascular structures.<ref name="taylor1996"/> The prepuce serves as a conduit for several important veins.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998">{{FleissP HodgesF VanHoweRS 1998}}</ref> The [[glans penis ]] receives blood through the frenular artery.<ref>{{REFjournal

The layer of [[dartos]] muscle is contained within the foreskin.<ref name="cold-taylor1999 /> It makes the foreskin rather stretchy. The dartos muscle keeps the foreskin snugly against the [[glans]]. The fibers of the [[dartos ]] muscle form a whorl at the tip that functions as a sphincter. The sphincter opens to allow [[urine]] to flow out, but closes to protect the [[penis ]] from foreign matter, contaminants, and pathogens.<ref name="lakshmanan-prakash1980"/><ref>{{REFjournal

About two to five percent of men have a foreskin that did not become retractable in adulthood. That condition is called [[phimosis]] and is a normal variant that does not require treatment. Some believe that the longer foreskins may not get naturally stretched by [[erection]], so are more likely to remain tight and non-retractable. Treatment is optional. Many men happily live out their lives with a non-retractable foreskin. The outer foreskin usually becomes somewhat darker after [[puberty]] due to increased melanin.<ref>{{REFweb |url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/hyperpigmentation |title=hyperpigmentation |last= |first= |init= |author-link= |publisher=Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions |date=2012 |accessdate=2024-09-25}}</ref> The color may vary from slightly darker than the other skin to (rarely) almost black. ===Foreskin length===Natural foreskins are found in all lengths from very short to very long. Most appear to fall near the center of the rangewith very few at the two extremes in accordance with the rules for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_distribution normal distribution]. Longer foreskins appear to perform their [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin| protective and immunological function]] more satisfactorily. A short or inadequate foreskin may be lengthened by [[tissue expansion]] to improve function and aesthetics. The tapered tip of a longer foreskin that extends beyond the [[glans penis]] is known as the ''[[acroposthion]]''. A very few of the longest foreskins will not remain retracted when released, but will spontaneously roll [[Gliding action| glide]] forward to recover the [[glans penis]]. Longer foreskins improve protection and [[gliding action]] and do not usually create an issue. There is no recognized definition of an excessively long or so-called "redundant" foreskin.<ref name="tip2022">{{REFweb |url=http://acroposthion.com/the-tip-at-the-end/ |title=The ‘Tip’ At The End |last= |first= |publisher=Acroposthion |date=2022 |accessdate=2022-06-21}}</ref> It appears that [[Longer foreskin is favored| longer foreskins have been favored]] by men through the centuries.===Kinsey study of foreskin length===Sex researcher Alfred C. Kinsey (1963) carried out a study of the amount of the [[glans penis]] covered by the foreskin in white college men. Kinsey measured foreskin length by the extent of coverage and protection of the [[glans penis]]. He reported:* None, foreskin kept retracted: 11.2% * Foreskin just covers corona: 16.5% * Most of head covered, tip shows: 17.6%* Head completely covered: 48.4%* Foreskin extends beyond head: 6.4%<ref>Gebhard, P. H., Johnson, A. B., & Kinsey, A. C. (1998). Table 81. In: <i>The Kinsey Data: Marginal Tabulations of the 1938–1963 Interviews Conducted by the Institute for Sex Research.</i> Indiana University Press. </ref> Please note that the last two categories, totalling 54.8%, provide complete coverage of the [[glans penis]].  <i>See [[Development_of_retractable_foreskin#Adult_foreskin| Adult foreskin]].</i>

Antique research by Alfred Kinsey (1948) <ref>{{REFbook |last=Kinsey |first=Alfred C. |init= |year=1948 |title=Sexual behavior in the human male |url= |scope= |ISBN= |accessdate=2022-06-16 }}</ref> and Masters & Johnson (1966) <ref>{{REFbook |last=Masters |first=William |init= |year=1966 |title=Human sexual response |url= |scope= |ISBN=978-0-553-20429-2 |accessdate=2022-06-16 }}</ref> misled medical science into believing that the foreskin had no function. This meant the foreskin could be excised without doing harm. In actuality, the foreskin has many functions, <ref name="connors2024-02-19">{{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/intact-penis/ |title=6 Things You Need to Know About The Intact Penis |last=Garrett |first=Connor |init= |author-link=Connor Judson Garrett |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-02-19 |accessdate=2024-10-21}}</ref> so its [[amputation]] does [[Bodily harm| great harm]].<ref name="hill2017">{{REFjournal |last=Hill |first= |init=G |author-link=George Hill |title=The case against circumcision |journal=Journal of Men's Health and Gender |date=2007 |volume=4 |issue=3 |pages=318-323 |url=https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=04ace5046cc27f01b8fbe4aa359c059778983912 |quote= |format=PDF |accessdate=2023-10-01}}</ref> <ref>{{REFdocument |title=Policy Paper: Newborn Circumcision as a Negative Wellness Factor |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/394517060_Policy_Paper_Newborn_Circumcision_as_a_Negative_Wellness_Factor |contribution= |last=Bollinger |first=Dan |publisher=Research Gate |format=PDF |date=2025-08 |accessdate=2025-08-29}}</ref> The human race evolved over perhaps 700 millenia. The foreskin evolved its physiological functions that improve fitness for survival during that time.<ref>{{URLwikipedia|Evolution|Evolution}}</ref>=== Urination functions ===The foreskin functions as a hose nozzle during [[urination]]. It confines and consolidates the multiple urine streams from the [[urethra]] into one stream that can easily be controlled and aimed as necessary. [[Foreskinned]] men advise that [[Urination by foreskinned men| the foreskin should be stretched out to its full length]] to remove wrinkles before commencing [[urination]]. === Erection functions ===When [[erection]] of the [[penis]] occurs, the penis also expands in both circumference and length, so more skin is needed to cover it and allow painless erection. The foreskin unfolds to provide additional skin and permits [[intact]] men to enjoy painless erection, unlike many [[circumcised]] men who experience very tight, painful skin when [[erection]] occurs.

The foreskin provides physical protection to the [[glans penis]] and inner [[mucosa]], <ref>{{REFjournal |last=Morgan |first= |init=WKC |author-link=William Keith Campbell Morgan |etal=no |title=The rape of the phallus |trans-title= |language= |journal=JAMA |location= |date=1965-07-19 |volume=193 |issue=3 |pages=123-4 |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/general/morgan/ |archived= |quote=This ritual, however, has become so widespread in the [[United States]] that it is no longer much of a status symbol, and a situation has arisen where any recently delivered mother who is eccentric enough to wish her child to retain his [[prepuce]], would be well advised to maintain permanent guard over it until such time as they both leave the hospital. |pubmedID=14310332 |pubmedCID= |DOI=10.1001/jama.1965.03090030045013 |accessdate=2024-05-21}}</ref> supplying moisture and natural oils by [[transudation]], while protecting the [[mucosa]]l tissue from pathogens, pollutants, friction, injury, [[keratinization]], de-sensitization, and drying out. The foreskin protects the glans penis and meatus of infant boys from abrasion and irritation from ammoniacal diapersto prevent [[meatal stenosis]].<ref name="gairdner1949">{{GairdnerDM 1949}}</ref> <ref name="dobanavacki2012">{{REFjournal

In the absence of the foreskin about ten to twenty percent of [[circumcised]] boys suffer urethral stricture ([[meatal stenosis]]) requiring further treatment.<ref name="frisch2016">{{REFjournal

|quote=

}}</ref> Frisch & Simonsen (2016) reported the incidence of meatal stenosis to be 3.7 times higher in [[circumcised ]] boys.<ref name="frisch2016"/> Fendereski et al. (2024) carried out a massive study to compare intact boys to circumcised boys. The authors reported that [[intact]] ([[foreskinned]]) boys have only one-third as many penile problems as do [[circumcised]] boys.<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=2025-01-06}}</ref>

The foreskin continues to protect the [[glans penis ]] throughout life, keeping it smooth, glossy, moist, [[Foreskin sensitivity| sensitive]], and free from [[keratinization]] and loss of sensation.

Fleiss et al. (1998) have listed numerous immunological functions of the foreskin that help to protect the human body against [[infection]]. The foreskin maintains the moistness of the [[preputial mucosa]] and the [[glans penis]] by [[transudation]]. The sub-preputial moisture contains cathepsin B, chymotrypsin, neutrophil elastase, cytokines, and lysozyme, which has the capacity to desttroy destroy the cell walls of bacteria. The preputial muscles keep the tip of the foreskin closed to keep moisture in, while also keeping pathogens and other contaminants out pathogens.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/>

Although claims have been made that the presence of the foreskin increases the risk of infection with [[Circumcision and HIV|human immune deficiency virus]] ([[HIV]]), that is not correct. The claims are based on the reported findings of three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that were carried out more than a decade ago in Africa. Boyle & Hill (2011) have shown these RCTs to be have significant methodological flaws and statistical errors that render their claims invalid.<ref name="boyle-hill2011">{{BoyleGJ HillG 2011}}</ref>[[HIV#Population-based_studies| Two massive population studies]] published in 2021 found that [[circumcision]] provided no protective effect.

Fleiss et al. noted the presence of [[Langerhans cells]] in the prepuce.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/> De Witte et al. (2007) have discovered that Langerhans cells produce ''Langerin'', which is a "natural barrier to [[HIV]] infection".<ref>{{REFjournal |last=de Witte |first=Lot |init=L |last2=Nabatov |first2=Alexey |init2=A |last3=Pion |first3=Marjorie |init3=M |last4=Fluitsma |first4=Donna |init4=D |last5=de Jong |first5=Marein A.W.P. |init5=MAWP |last6=de Gruijl |first6=Tanja |init6=T |last7=Piguet |first7=Vincent |init7=V |last8=van Kooyk |first8=Yvette |init8=Y |last9=Geijtenbeek |first9=Teunis B.H. |init9=TBH |title=Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 transmission by Langerhans cells |journal=Nature Medicine |volume= |issue= |pages= |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/nm1541 |quote= |pubmedID=17334373 |pubmedCID= |DOI=10.1038/nm1541 |date=DeWitte etal 2007-03-04 |accessdate=2011-06-28}}</ref>

The foreskin is a sexual organ. <ref name="hill2017" /> It provides both mechanical and erogenous functions in [[masturbation]] and sexual intercourse, <ref name="connors2024-02-19" /> as well as [[pheromone| pheromones]]for the excitement and arousal of the partner.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/> Winkelmann (1959) classified the foreskin as ''specific erogenous tissue''.<ref name="winklemann1959" /> When the [[penis ]] becomes [[Erection| erect]], the foreskin unfolds to provide the skin necessary to allow the [[penis ]] to expand to full size and length.

}}</ref> At times of sexual arousal, the foreskin may be lubricated by [[pre-ejaculate]]. During the thrusting of sexual congress, the [[gliding action]] reduces abrasions and irritation in the [[Vagina| female partner]] and avoids problems with vaginal dryness.<ref name="warren-bigelow1994"/><ref name="morgan1965"/>The foreskin may protect the corona glandis from hyper-stimulation and prevent [[premature ejaculation]].

Nature designed the foreskin to be an [[Foreskin sensitivity| erogenous sensory organ]]. The <ref name="hill2017" /> Hill (2003) commented the foreskin has a layer of muscle called the [[dartos]] muscle sheath that provides the foreskin with elasticity, flexibility, and stretchiness, which allows full stimulation of the nerves in the [[ridged band]] that sense movement and [[stretching ]] to provide [[foreskin sensitivity]]. <ref name="hill2003">{{REFjournal |last=Hill |init=G |author-link=George Hill |url=https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/30/foreskin-motion-generates-meissner-corpuscle-stimulation |title=Foreskin motion generates Meissner corpuscle stimulation |journal=BMJ |date=2003-12-16 |volume=309 |issue= |pages=679 |accessdate=2024-12-06}}</ref> There is a mucocutaneous region at the tip of the foreskin where outer skin changes to inner [[mucosa]]. Winkelmann (1959) identified the foreskin as a ''specific erogenous zone'' (meaning an area of acute erogenous sensation). Winklemann reported rete ridges in the foreskin with nerves set close to the surface with closely set networks.<ref name="winklemann1959"/>

Lakshamanan & Prakash (1980) report the "prepuce covers the [[glans ]] completely and snugly like a hosiered material and continues to do so through the entire span of life of the male", which they explain as being caused by the smooth muscle fibers within the prepuce. The prepuce is free to [[gliding action| glide back and forth]]. When it does, it must stretch to go over the glans penis.<ref name="lakshmanan-prakash1980" />

Sorrells et al. (2007) conducted a fine-touch study of the penis of both [[circumcised ]] and [[intact ]] men. Sorrells et al. concluded:

In conclusion, circumcision removes the most sensitive parts of the [[penis ]] and decreases the fine-touch pressure sensitivity of glans penis. The most sensitive regions in the [[uncircumcised]] penis are those parts ablated by circumcision. When compared to the most sensitive area of the circumcised penis, several locations on the [[uncircumcised]] penis (the rim of the preputial orifice, dorsal and ventral, the frenulum near the ridged band, and the frenulum at the muco-cutaneous junction) that are missing from the circumcised penis were significantly more sensitive.<ref>{{Sorrells etal 2007}}</ref>

Bronselaer et al. (2013) surveyed a large group of [[intact ]] and [[circumcised ]] men in Belgium. They reported:

Vega et al. (2025) reported that the number of Meissner's corpuscles vary with age with the highest number being found between the ages of 20 and 40.<ref>{{REFjournal |last=Vega |first= |init=JA |author-link= |last2=Aiello |first2= |init2=V |author2-link=Vincenzo Aiello |last3=Martin-Cruces |first3= |init3=J |author3-link= |last4=Suazo |first4= |init4=I |author4-link= |last5=Jones |first5= |init5=R |author5-link= |last6=Musa |first6= |init6=W |author6-link= |last7=Szebeni-Varga |first7= |init7=B |author7-link= |last8=Garcia-Suảrez |first8= |init8=O |author8-link= |last9=Garcỉa-Mesa |first9= |init9=Y |author9-link= |etal=no |title=Sexual behaviorMechanosensitivity: Age-Related Changes in the Innervation of the Human Prepuce |trans-title= |journal=J Clin Med |location= |date=2025-07-04 |volume=14 |issue=13 |page=4730 |url=https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/13/4730 |archived= |quote= |pubmedID=40649104 |pubmedCID=12250474 |DOI=10.3390/jcm14134730 |accessdate=2025-07-31}}</ref>

== Sexual behavior ==The foreskin is a source of comfort to [[foreskinned]] men that is not available to [[circumcised]] men. Laumann et al. (1997) reported that men who lack a foreskin "engage in a somewhat more elaborated set of sexual practices than do men who are not [[circumcised]]. For each of the practices examined, lifetime experience of various forms of oral and anal sex and [[masturbation]] frequency in the past year, [[circumcised ]] men engaged in these behaviors at greater rates. The difference between [[circumcised ]] men was greatest for [[masturbation]] - — ironically, a practice that [[circumcision ]] was once thought to limit. A total of 47% of circumcised men reported masturbating at least once a month vs 34% for their [[uncircumcised]] peers."<ref name="laumann1997>{{REFjournal

Cold & Taylor (1999) commented, "The increased frequency of [[masturbation]], anal intercourse and fellatio reported by [[circumcised ]] men in the [[United States of America| USA ]] may possibly be due to the sensory imbalance caused by [[circumcision]]. Clearly, [[amputation]] of the prepuce causes changes in sexual behaviour in human males and females."<ref name="cold-taylor1999" />

Frisch et al. (2011) surveyed the sexual function and behavior of a large group of [[intact ]] and [[circumcised ]] men in [[Denmark]]. They reported that "[[circumcised ]] men were more likely (38%) than [[uncircumcised]] men (28%) to report ≥10 sex partners."<ref name="frisch lindholm groenbaek 2011">{{FrischM LindholmM GroenbaekM 2011}}</ref>

The knowledge of the important of the [[intact ]] [[penis ]] in heterosexual relations long has been known to the Jews who give us our earliest evidence of the value of the [[foreskin ]] to the female partner.

As previously reported, the foreskin reduces the force required for penetration of the female partner's [[vagina]] by as much as ninety percent.<ref name="taves2002"/> The [[gliding action ]] of the foreskin reduces friction and abrasion, while conserving vaginal lubrication.<ref name="warren-bigelow1994"/>

In a first of its kind, O'Hara & O'Hara (1999) carried out a retrospective survey of 138 women with experience of both [[intact]] and [[circumcised ]] partners. The women overwhelmingly concurred that the mechanics of [[sexual intercouse| coitus]] was different for the two groups of men. Of the women, 73% reported that [[circumcised ]] men tend to thrust harder and deeper, using elongated strokes, while unaltered men by comparison tended to thrust more gently, to have shorter thrusts, and tended to be in contact with the mons pubis and [[clitoris]] more, according to 71% of the respondents. Women with [[intact ]] partners had a higher rate of orgasms than women with [[circumcised ]] partners. O'Hara & O'Hara concluded:<blockquote>Clearly, the anatomically complete penis offers a more rewarding experience for the female partner during coitus. While this study has some obvious methodological flaws, all the differences cannot be attributed to them. It is important that these findings be confirmed by a prospective study of a randomly selected population of women with experience with both types of men. It would be useful to examine the role of the foreskin in other sexual activities. Because these findings are of interest, the negative effect of circumcision on the sexual enjoyment of the female partner needs to be part of any discussions providing '[[informed consent]]' before circumcision.<ref name="ohara1998">{{REFjournal

[[Gregory J. Boyle| Boyle]] (2004) reported significant adverse effects of [[circumcision]] both for the [[circumcised]] male and his female partner.<ref>{{REFjournal |last=Boyle |first= |init=GJ |author-link=Gregory J. Boyle |etal=no |title=Circumcision in Adults: Effect on Sexual Function |trans-title= |journal=Urology |location= |date=2004-12 |volume=64 |issue=6 |pages=1267-8 |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/sex_function/boyle2004/ |archived= |quote=Circumcised men also expressed significantly greater dissatisfaction with their sex lives than did genitally intact men. |pubmedID=15596220 |pubmedCID= |DOI=10.1016/j.urology.2004.03.060 |accessdate=2025-04-14}}</ref> Solinis & Yiannaki (2007) concluded; "[t]here was a decrease in couple’s sexual life after circumcision indicating that [[Adolescent_and_adult_circumcision|adult circumcision ]] adversely affects sexual function in many men or/and their partners, possibly because of complications of surgery and loss of nerve endings."<ref name="solinis-yiannaki2005">{{REFjournal

The [[foreskin ]] serves as a pathway for many significant veins. In addition the foreskin is saturated with very many nerve endings and tactile corpuscles, the same receptors that exist in the fingertips. The enormous density of nerves and mechanoreceptors make the foreskin the most sensitive part of the body, approximately 10 times more sensitive than the fingertips. This also distinguishes the human penis from those of other mammals, which in contrast have the main concentration of nerves in the [[glans]], and not in the foreskin.

The two foreskin layers provide a skin reserve, into which the growing shaft expands during an [[erection]]. Depending to the individual length of a man's foreskin, it thereby retracts more or less far. In some men, the [[foreskin ]] still fully covers the glans during an [[erection]], in others the [[glans ]] is partly or completely exposed.

In addition, the foreskin, in combination with the [[shaft skin]], allows a natural [[gliding action]]. During intercourse as well as [[masturbation]] the outer skin is in contact with the [[vagina]] or the hand respectively. The penile shaft moves mostly within its skin and the skin only moves at the end of its thrust. Due to this, the friction with the [[vagina ]] or hand is reduced. The sexual stimulation mostly occurs through the [[stretching ]] and movement of the [[foreskin], when it is pulled over the glans and back, as well as the direct stimulation of the inner foreskin when it is exposed and comes into direct contact with the vagina or the hand. The [[frenulum]] may limit retraction.

* [[Foreskin Care for Boysof intact, foreskinned boys]]* [[Circumcision: Effect upon erectile function]]* [[Circumcision - Penis SensitivityTest]]* [[Erogenous sensation of the foreskin]]

*{{REFwebREFbook |last=Scott |first=Steve |init=S |author-link=Steve Scott |year=1999 |title=The anatomy and physiology of the human prepuce |url=httphttps://www.foreskincoloradonocirc.org/files/handouts/Anatomy_and_Physiology.pdf |titlework=33 Photographs of the foreskin (Non-Pornographic)Male and Female Circumcision |lasteditor=Erickson[[George C. Denniston|Denniston]] et al. |firstedition=John |author-linkvolume=John A. Erickson |publisherchapter= |websitescope=Foreskin |datepage=1999 |accessdatepages=20199-10-2518 |location=New York |publisher=Kluwer Academic / Plenum Publishers |formatISBN=

|url=https://www.i2researchhubcirp.org/articlespages/ch-2-anatomy/ |title=Anatomy of thePenis and Mechanics of Intercourse |last=Anonymous |first= |init= |author-prepucelink= |publisher=Circumcision Information Pages |date=2004 |accessdate=2025-doc08-genital-integrity-statement23}}* {{REFweb |url=https://pool.intactiwiki.org/images/2008_Genital_Integrity_Policy_Statement.pdf

|publisher=[[Doctors Opposing Circumcision(D.O.C.)]]

|format=PDF |quote=Several writers have commented on the sensitivity of the prepuce. Winkelmann (1956) wrote, “…it isa region of great sensitivity and possessed of an abundant nerve supply,”11 and later (1959) identified theprepuce as a specific erogenous zone.13 Falliers (1970) noted the “sensory pleasure associated with tactilestimulation of the foreskin.”15 A landmark study by Sorrells et al. (2007) of the fine-touch sensitivity ofthe penis finds that the areas most sensitive to fine touch are on the foreskin.16 Circumcision, therefore,amputates the most sensitive areas of the penis.