Gliding action
The term "Gliding action" is used to describe the way the foreskin moves during sexual intercourse. The foreskin is internally lubricated with body fluid, so it glides frictionlessly over the shaft and inner layer of foreskin. This mechanism was described by Lakshamanan & Prakash (1980), stating that "[t]he outer layer of the prepuce in common with the skin of the shaft of the penis glides freely in a to and fro fashion..."[1]
Contents
The foreskinned, intact penis
Several people have argued that the gliding movement of the foreskin is important during sexual intercourse. Warren & Bigelow (1994) state that gliding action would help to reduce the effects of vaginal dryness and that restoration of the gliding action is an important advantage of foreskin restoration.[2] O'Hara (2002) describes the gliding action, stating that it reduces friction during sexual intercourse, and suggesting that it adds "immeasurably to the comfort and pleasure of both parties".[3] Taylor (2000) suggests that the gliding action, where it occurs, may stimulate the nerves of the ridged band,[4] and speculates (2003) that the stretching of the frenulum by the rearward gliding action during penetration triggers ejaculation.[5] When the foreskin glides, all of the skin of the penis moves, so stimulation of the Meissner's corpuscles in the skin occurs over the whole length of the penis.[6]
Taves (2002) reported that the presence and motion of the foreskin greatly reduces the force required for intromission of the penis into the vagina.[7]
The circumcised penis
Removal of the foreskin permanently exposes the glans penis, tightens the residual shaft skin and reduces or eliminates gliding action. It also results in keratinization or callousing of the glans penis because of chafing and abrasion from clothing, leading to loss of sensation. Removal of the foreskin can lead to trauma of the penis (friction irritation) during masturbation due to the loss of the gliding action of the foreskin and greater friction, requiring the need of artificial lubrication. During sex, the loss of gliding action is also thought to cause pain, dryness, and trauma to the vagina of the female partner.[2] The trauma and abrasions of the vagina can lead to easier entry of sexually transmitted diseases.[8]
One study showed that the loss of the foreskin resulted in decreased masturbatory pleasure and sexual enjoyment.[9]
The restored penis
Non-surgical foreskin restoration by tissue expansion increases skin mobility, restores the gliding action, and improves sexual function.
See also
External links
- NSFW: How the foreskin works
References
- ↑
Lakshmanan S, Prakash S. Human prepuce: some aspects of structure and function. Indian Journal of Surgery. 1980; 44: 134–137. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
Quote:The outer layer of the prepuce in common with the skin of the shaft of the penis glides freely in a to and fro fashion and has to be delicate and thin, as was observed in this study. [...] The inner lining of the projecting tubular part has the structure of the outer layer and adds to the thin gliding skin when retracted.
- ↑ a b Warren J, Bigelow J. The case against circumcision. Br J Sex Med. September 1994; (September/October): 6–8. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
- ↑
O'Hara K (2002): Sex as Nature Intended It: The Most Important Thing You Need to Know about Making Love, but No One Could Tell You Until Now. Turning Point Publications. P. 72.
Quote:During intercourse, the natural penis shaft actually glides within its own shaft skin covering. This minimizes friction to the vaginal walls and opening, and to the shaft skin itself, adding immeasurably to the comfort and pleasure of both parties.
Friction is not entirely eliminated during natural intercourse but it is largely eliminated. Friction can take place in the lower vagina, but only if the man uses a stroke that exceeds the (forward and backward) gliding range of the shaft's extra skin. And in such a case, there will be friction only to the extent that the shaft exceeded its extra skin, which is uncommon since the natural penis has a propensity for short strokes. Primarily, it is the penis head that makes frictional contact with the vaginal walls, usually in the upper vagina where there is ample lubrication. [...] The gliding principle of natural intercourse is a two-way street—the vagina glides on the shaft skin while the shaft skin massages the penis shaft as it glides over it. - ↑ Taylor JR. Back and Forth. Pediatrics News. 2000; 34(10): 50. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- ↑ Taylor JR. Evidence sketchy on circumcision and cervical cancer link. Can Fam Physician. December 2003; 49: 1592. PMID. PMC.
- ↑ García-Mesa Y, García-Piqueras J, Cobo R, Martín-Cruces J, Suazo I, García-Suárez O, Feito J, Vega JA. Sensory innervation of the human male prepuce: Meissner's corpuscles predominate. Journal of Anatomy. October 2021; 239(4): 892-902. PMID. PMC. DOI. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ↑ Taves DR. The intromission function of the foreskin. Med Hypotheses. August 2002; 59(2): 180-2. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ↑ Bullough VL, Bullough B (2014): Human Sexuality: An Encyclopedia. Routledge. Pp. 120–???. ISBN 978-1-135-82502-7.
- ↑ Kim D, Pang MG. The effect of male circumcision on sexuality. BJU Int. March 2007; 99(3): 619–622. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
- ↑
