Preputial sac: Difference between revisions

'''{{FULLPAGENAME}}''' is the term applied to the space on the [[foreskinned]] [[penis]] between the [[prepuce]] and the [[glans penis]].<ref>{{REFweb

}}</ref> so it cannot be [[Infection| infected]]. The preputial sac will remain closed for a variable number of years. Thorvaldsen & Meyhoff (2005) conducted a survey of 4000 young men in [[Denmark]]. They reported that the mean age of first [[foreskin]] retraction is 10.4 years in [[Denmark]].<ref name="Thorvaldsen">{{REFjournal

The [[glans penis]] (head of the [[penis]]) is covered and protected from friction, abrasion, [[trauma]], and [[infection]] by the [[foreskin]] while it is in the preputial sac,<ref name="fleiss1998">{{FleissP HodgesF VanHoweRS 1998}}</ref> so it does not accumulate [[keratin]], and maintains its [[Foreskin sensitivity| natural sensitivity]]. It is normal for the [[glans penis]] to be purple in color when the glans has been protected by the [[foreskin]].

A longer [[prepuce]] helps to keep out contaminants and pathogens.<ref name="fleiss1998" /> Lakshmanan & Parkash (1980) described the muscle fibers in the [[prepuce]] (known as the [[dartos]]), which contract to keep the prepuce snugly close to the [[glans penis]].<ref>{{REFjournal

 

Cold & Taylor (1999) described a healthy [[microbiome]] that lives within the preputial sac.<ref name="cold-taylor1999" /> They also reported that Langerhans cells are found in the mucosa of the preputial sac. [[Langerhans cells]] are part of the immunological defenses of the [[penis]].

 

|Title=Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 transmission by Langerhans cells

|Text=Langerin prevents HIV-1 transmission by LCs. HIV-1 captured by Langerin was internalized into Birbeck granules and degraded. Langerin inhibited LC infection and this mechanism kept LCs refractory to HIV-1 transmission; inhibition of Langerin allowed LC infection and subsequent HIV-1 transmission. Notably, LCs also inhibited T-cell infection by viral clearance through Langerin. Thus Langerin is a natural barrier to HIV-1 infection, and strategies to combat infection must enhance, preserve or, at the very least, not interfere with Langerin expression and function.

Fendereski et al. (2024) compared the penile health of [[circumcised]] boys without a preputial sac to [[intact]] boys with a preputial sac during the first five years of life. The authors reported that the [[circumcised]] boys had three times as many complaints when compared with [[intact]] boys.<ref name=fendereski2024">{{REFjournal

|title=Comparing Penile Problems in Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised Boys: Insights From a Large Commercial Claims Database With a Focus on Provider Type Performing Circumcision

A longer [[foreskin]] improves wetness in the preputial sac.<ref name="ofarrell2008">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> The authors further reported that the wetness is rich in lytic material.<ref name="parkash1982" /> Lytic material causes lysis or a breakdown of pathogen cell walls.<ref>{{REFweb

}}</ref> Moistness also may be maintained by [[transudation]].<ref name="cold-taylor1999" /> The preputial sac may also receive [[pre-ejaculate]], which may be distinguished because it is more slippery. The sac may vary from very slightly moist to wet when one is aroused.

Nevertheless, some men report dryness in their preputial sac and with their [[glans penis]]. Some men recommend coconut oil and others recommend [[jojoba]] oil.<ref>{{REFweb

  |last=Anonymous

  |init=

  |publisher=Supreme Penis

  |date=2025-07-14

  |accessdate=2025-08-21

}}</ref> to moisturize the preputial sac. A few drops, applied once or twice a day, appears to be enough to keep the sac moisturized, lubricated, and comfortable.

The [[foreskin]] produces [[pheromone| pheromones]] that are likely to be present in the preputial sac.<ref name="fleiss1998" /> Many [[foreskinned]] men report a pleasant musky fragrance<ref name="vocabulary2024">{{REFweb

}}</ref> from their [[penis]]. Musk is also produced by deer to create sexual arousal.<ref name="vocabulary2024" /> The fragrance, when it occurs, is emitted from the preputial sac.

The fragrance may contain stimulating [[pheromone| pheromones]] and is variously characterized. A few find it offensive, but others find it attractive, pleasing, exciting, stimulating, or arousing.<ref name="vocabulary2024" /> <ref>{{REFweb

}}</ref>

One frequently hears the advice to wash the preputial sac at least daily to prevent [[infection]]. This advice does not reflect the [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin| immunological functions]] of the [[foreskin]] and  the need to maintain skin oil to avoid [[balanitis]].<ref name="birley1993" /> <ref name="fleiss1998" /> It is not consistent with medical science, and is outmoded and inaccurate. Washing may introduce pathogens into the preputial cavity.<ref name="fleiss1998" /> It also removes the skin oil and protective lytic substances described above. It is better to rinse only as necessary, using only clear warm water without soap, body wash, or shampoo.<ref>{{REFbook

}}</ref> One or twice a week is sufficient.<ref name="damon2010">{{REFweb

|quote=It is true that nursing programs (and medical school programs) in the [[United States]] have a long way to go in teaching proper [[intact]] care and development.

}}</ref> It also is customary to wash before and after sex.

If the [[foreskin]] is non-retractable, then a [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rubber%20bulb%20ear%20syringe rubber-bulb ear syringe] may be used to squirt warm water into the [[foreskin]] to flush it out for an occasional washing. Washing is recommended before and after sex and as needed to remove accumulated [[smegma]].

== Urination by foreskinned men==

The text of this section has been relocated to its own article. Please see [[Urination by foreskinned men]].

* {{URLwikipedia|Preputial_mucosa|Preputial mucosa}}

*  {{REFweb

  |accessdate=2025-03-03

  |first=Connor

  |publisher=Intact America

[[Category:Physiology]]

 

[[de:Präputialsack]]