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Although it was circumcision promoter [[Abraham L. Wolbarst]] (1914} once claimed that the human [[foreskin]] was filthy and harbored disease and infection, <ref name="wolbarst1914">{{REFjournal |last=Wolbarst |first=Abraham L. |init=AL |author-link=Abraham L. Wolbarst |title=Universal Circumcision as a Sanitary Measure |journal=JAMA |date=1914-1-10 |volume=62 |issue=2 |pages=92-97 |url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/453164 |accessdate=2022-08-11}}</ref> 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 protective and hygienic function of the foreskin ==
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
|last=Hunter
|init=RH
|pages=243-249
}}</ref>
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
|last=Van Howe
|init=RS
}}</ref>
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
|last=Hyman
|init=AB
}}</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
|last=Parkash
|init=S
}}</ref>
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
|last=Parkash
|init=S
}}</ref>
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
|last=Van Howe
|init=RS
|DOI=10.1046/j.1464-410X.1997.00467.x
|accessdate=2019-10-20
}}</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
|last=Birley
|init=HDL