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→Washing: Revise text; Add citation.
The presence of the healthy microbiome, the [[Langerhans cells]], and the lytics in the sub-preputial moisture give the preputial sac strong immunological functions. [[Circumcision]] destroys the preputial sac and its protective immunological functions and makes the patient more vulnerable to [[infection]] throughout life.<ref name="fleiss1998" />
One frequently hears the advice to wash the preputial sac at least daily to prevent [[infection]]. This advice is outmoded.<ref name="fleiss1998" /> <ref name="birley1993" /> 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 wash rinse only as necessary, using only clear warm water.<ref>{{REFbook |last=Bigelow |first=Jim |author-link=Jim Bigelow |year=1994 |title=The Joy of Uncircumcising!: Exploring Circumcision: History, Myths, Psychology, Restoration, Sexual Pleasure, and Human Rights |url=https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Uncircumcising-Circumcision-Psychology-Restoration/dp/093406122X |editor= |edition=2 |volume= |chapter=The Reputation of the Foreskin in America |pages=74 |location= |publisher=Hourglass Book Pub |isbn=978-0934061223}}</ref>
If the [[foreskin]] is non-retractable, then a 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 desired to remove accumulated [[smegma]].
== Urination==
[[Intact]] men sometimes ask, "do I have to retract my foreskin when I pee?" They may have been heard myths that it is unhealthy to have [[urine]] inside the [[foreskin]]. There is no factual basis for that claim. Urine is normally sterile when it leaves the urethra and is helpful for flushing out the foreskin and keeping it clean. Boys by necessity pee through their [[foreskin]] because it does not retract. Men with [[phimosis]] also pee through their foreskin because the foreskin does not retract. It is not necessary to pull back when you pee.