Immunological and protective function of the foreskin: Difference between revisions
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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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* [[Breastfeeding]] | * [[Breastfeeding]] | ||
* [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]] | * [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]] | ||
* [[Circumcision and HIV]] | |||
* [[Circumcision and STDs]] | * [[Circumcision and STDs]] | ||
* [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | * [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | ||
* [[Foreskin]] | * [[Foreskin]] | ||
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|first=Jeffrey | |first=Jeffrey | ||
|init= | |init= | ||
|author-link= | |author-link=Jeffrey Cartwright-Smith | ||
|publisher=Intact America | |publisher=[[Intact America]] | ||
|date=2025-09-18 | |date=2025-09-18 | ||
|accessdate=2025-10-02 | |accessdate=2025-10-02 | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Conclusion== | ==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. | 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]]. | 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. | 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}} | ||