Immunological and protective function of the foreskin: Difference between revisions

Although it was once claimed that the human [[foreskin]] was filthy and harbored disease and infection, 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]].

The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The foreskin protects the delicate [[glans]] of the [[penis]] and puts the [[urethra]] at a distance from its environment, protecting it from foreign contaminants of all kinds while simultaneously shielding the penis from injury. 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

}}</ref> The preputial cavity is sealed by the synechia so it cannot be infected.

In infancy, the foreskin's tubular neck (prepucial orifice) is often long and narrow while the sphincter muscle in the tip of the foreskin keeps its opening closed. This acts as an extension of the [[urethra]].<ref>{{REFjournal

Together, these properties prevent the entry of contaminants.<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

|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

}}</ref> <ref>{{REFjournal

Natural secretions of oil are achieved by sebaceous glands which are abound in the foreskin's inner lining, these are not present in the [[glans penis]].<ref name="hyman-brownstein1969">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> They are also present in the eye lid and perform the same function in both places. They secrete the oils necessary to keep the glans surface soft, moist, smooth, warm, sensitive, and with a healthy glistening red or purple color. This moisturizer also maintains PH balance, and optimal cleanliness. This is required to keep the surface of the glans healthy and clean via the cleaning effects of mucous secretions. Again, this function is analogous to the eye lid. The [[glans penis]] is meant to be an internal organ covered and protected from the outside world.

In the genitally [[intact]] [[penis]] the [[urine]] stream flushes out the [[urethra]] and foreskin of foreign microbes. In healthy individuals, [[urine]] is sterile and has a disinfectant quality. Researchers have demonstrated that the swirling action of [[urine]] as it rushes through the foreskin flushes it out effortlessly and naturally.<ref name="parkash-jeykumar1973">{{REFjournal

Though [[urine]] passes through the foreskin every day, the inner foreskin is remarkably free of urea — a by-product of liver metabolism that is secreted in [[urine]]. Studies demonstrate that washings from the foreskin are rich in fructose, acid phosphatase, and mucin, but never urea. It appears that the secretions of seminal vesicles, prostate, and [[urethra]]l mucous glands, collectively or individually, keep the foreskin clear and clean as well.<ref>{{REFjournal

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, 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 and contaminants.<ref name="vanhowe1997">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> Circumcised boys are also found to be more likely to develop [[balanitis]], [[meatitis]], coronal adhesions, and [[meatal stenosis]].<ref name="vanhowe1997"/>

Excessive washing and the use of soap inside the foreskin should be avoided.<ref>{{REFjournal

  |title=Clinical Features and management of recurrent

balanitis; association with atopy and genital

washing]

  |url=

The foreskin's inner fold and the glans of the penis are comprised of [[Preputial mucosa|mucous membrane]] tissue. These are also present in your eyes, mouth, and all other bodily orifices including the female genitals. These are the first line of immunological defense for the body's orifices. These mucous membranes perform many immunological and hygienic functions.  

  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/hill1/

}}</ref> <ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" />

It is also very important to note that [[Langerhans cells]] that are present in the foreskin produce ''Langerin'', a substance that has been proven to kill human immunodeficency virus ([[HIV]]) on contact.<ref>{{REFjournal

|etal=yes

|date=2007-03

}}</ref>

<!--In infancy, simple sugars in breast milk, like antibacterial oligosaccharides, are acquired from the mother's milk and excreted in [[urine]]. University studies have shown that these substances cling to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the inner foreskin and protect against urinary tract infections,<ref>Hanson LA, Karlsson B, Jalil F, ''et al''. Antiviral and antibacterial factors in human milk. In: Hanson LA, ed. ''Biology of Human Milk''. New York Raven Press; 1988. pp. 141-57</ref> as well as infections in other parts of the body.<ref>Coppa GV, Gabrielli O, Giorgi P, Catassi C, Montanari MP, Veraldo PE, Nichols BL. Preliminary study of breast feeding and bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells. ''Lancet'' 1990 Mar 10;335(8689):569-71.</ref> Babies excrete in their [[urine]] about 300-500 milligrams of oligosaccharides each day. These compounds prevent virulent strains of ''Escherichia coli'' from adhering to the [[mucosa]]l lining of the entire urinary tract, including the foreskin and glans. For these reasons breast-milk is highly efficacious at preventing UTI.<ref>Gothefors L, Olling S, Winberg J. Breastfeeding and biological properties of faecal ''E. coli'' strains. ''Acta Paediatr Scand'' 1975 Nov;54(6):807-12.</ref> Rigorous studies have repeatedly demonstrated that breast feeding protects against urinary tract infections.<ref>Mårild S. Breastfeeding and Urinary Tract Infections. ''Lancet'' 1990;336:942.</ref> <ref>Pisacane A, ''et al''. Breastfeeding and urinary tract infection. ''The Lancet'', July 7, 1990, p50 </ref> <ref>Pisacane A, Graziano L, Mazzarella G, ''et al''. Breast-feeding and urinary tract infection. ''J Pediatr'' 1992;120:87-89.</ref>

 

 

It is important to note that women have a higher risk of UTI. This is because the shorter [[urethra]] offers less protection via the immunological function of the [[urethra]]'s [[mucosa]]l lining. By the same observation we see that the tubular tip of the foreskin and its [[mucosa]]l lining act as an extension of the [[urethra]], hence providing more of that same protection via [[mucosa]] immunology and the adherence of antibacterial substances in breast milk. Understandably, removal of the foreskin destroys all this functionality.-->

* [[Circumcision and HIV]]