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'''{{FULLPAGENAME}}''' is the term applied to the space on the [[intactforeskinned]] [[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 |last=Thorvaldsen |init=MA |last2=Meyhoff |init2=H |title=Patologisk eller fysiologisk fimose? |trans-title=Pathological or physiological phimosis? |language=Danish |journal=Ugeskr Læger |volume=167 |issue=17 |pages=1858-1862 |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/normal/thorvaldsen1/ |quote= |pubmedID= |pubmedCID= |DOI= |date=2005 |accessdate=2025-03-06}}</ref> Non-retractile [[foreskin]] is the more common condition until about 10-11 years of age.===Penile health===

The [[glans penis]] (head of the [[penis]]) is covered and protected from friction , abrasion, [[trauma]], and abrasion [[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]].

Wetness 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 |last=Lakshmanan |first= |init=S |author-link= |last2=Parkash |first2= |init2=S |author2-link= |etal=no |title=Human prepuce: some aspects of structure and function |trans-title= |language= |journal=Indian J Surg |location= |date=1980 |volume=44 |issue= |article= |page= |pages=134-7 |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/lakshmanan/ |archived= |quote= |pubmedID= |pubmedCID= |DOI= |accessdate=}}</ref> The muscle fibers form a whorl at the tip to keep the tip of the [[foreskin]] and keep the preputial sac closed against the outside world and contamination with pathogens.<ref name="fleiss1998" /> 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]].  De Witte et al. (2007) reported that Langerhans cells produce a substance named ''langerin''. The langerin offers protection against HIV infection:{{Citation |Title=Langerin is normal 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 associated function. |Author= |Source= |ref=<ref>{{DeWitte etal 2007}}</ref>}}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 having [[intact]] boys.<ref name=fendereski2024">{{REFjournal |last=Fendereski |first= |init=K |author-link= |last2=Horns |first2= |init2=JJ |author2-link= |last3=Driggs |first3= |init3=N |author3-link= |last4=Lau |first4= |init4=G |author4-link= |last5=Shaeffer |first5= |init5=AJ |author5-link= |etal=no |title=Comparing Penile Problems in Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised Boys: Insights From a Large Commercial Claims Database With a Focus on Provider Type Performing Circumcision |trans-title= |language= |journal=J Pediatr Surg |date=2024-11 |volume=59 |issue=11 |article=161614 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002234682400407X |archived= |quote= |pubmedID=39084960 |pubmedCID=11486584 |DOI=10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.06.022 |accessdate=2025-12-03}}</ref>=== Sub-preputial moisture ===A longer [[foreskin| prepuce]]improves wetness in the preputial sac.<ref name="ofarrell2008">{{REFjournal

}}</ref> The preputial sac may also receive [[pre-ejaculate]]. 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 wetwhen one is aroused.

A longer Nevertheless, some men report dryness in their preputial sac and with their [[prepuceglans penis]] helps to keep out contaminants . Some men recommend coconut oil and pathogens.<ref name="fleiss1998">{{FleissP HodgesF VanHoweRS 1998}}</ref> Lakshmanan & Parkash (1980) described the muscle fibers in the [[prepuce]] (known as the [[dartos]]), which contract to keep the prepuce snugly close to the others recommend [[glans penisjojoba]]oil.<ref>{{REFjournalREFweb |url=https://supremepenis.com/blog/best-natural-oils-for-penis-skin-care/ |title=Best Natural Oils for Penis Skin Care: Ultimate Guide to Healthy Skin |last=LakshmananAnonymous

|init=S

|last2publisher=ParkashSupreme Penis |first2date= |init2=S |author22025-07-link=14 |etal=no |titleaccessdate=Human prepuce: some aspects of structure and function |trans2025-title= |language= |journal=Indian J Surg |location= |date=1980 |volume=44 |issue= |article= |page= |pages=13408-7 |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/lakshmanan/ |archived= |quote= |pubmedID= |pubmedCID= |DOI= |accessdate=21}}</ref> The muscle fibers form a whorl at the tip to keep the tip of the [[foreskin]] and keep moisturize the preputial sac closed against the outside world and contamination.<ref name="fleiss1998" /> Cold & Taylor (1999) described A few drops, applied once or twice a healthy [[microbiome]] that lives within day, appears to be enough to keep 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]]moisturized, lubricated, and comfortable.

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

}}</ref> <ref>{{REFweb |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/uncircumcised_talk/comments/1llu8bi/what_does_it_smell_like/ |title=What does it smell like? |last=Anonymous |first= |init= |author-link= |publisher=REDDIT |date=2025-06-27 |accessdate=2025-06-28}}</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 |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/uncircumcised_talk/comments/1juhht2/scent/ |title=Scent |last=Anonymous |first= |init= |author-link= |publisher=REDDIT |date= |accessdate=2025-04-09}}</ref>

One frequently hears the advice to wash the preputial sac at least daily to prevent [[infection]]. This advice is outmodeddoes 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 waterwithout soap, body wash, or shampoo.<ref>{{REFbook

}}</ref> One or twice a week is sufficient.<ref name="damon2010">{{REFweb |title=Intact Care of Elderly Men in Nursing Homes |url=http://www.drmomma.org/2010/05/intact-care-of-elderly-men-in-nursing.html |archived= |trans-title= |language= |last=Damon |first= |init=KL |author-link= |publisher=Peaceful Parenting |website=www.drmomma.org |date=2010 |accessdate=2023-12-12 |format= |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 desired needed to remove accumulated [[smegma]].

== Urination==[[Intact]] men sometimes ask, "do I have to retract my [[foreskin]] when I pee?"<ref>Some by foreskinned men with abundant overhanging foreskin find it awkward and difficult to retract and keep retracted their [[foreskin]] because the foreskin is constantly pushing to glide forward to return to its normal position of covering and protecting the [[glans penis]].</ref> They may have been heard myths that it is unhealthy to have [[urine]] inside the [[foreskin]], however there is no factual basis for that claim. Urine has a healthy microbiome<ref name="cold-taylor1999" /> 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 and men with [[phimosis]] also pee through their foreskin because the foreskin does not retract. It does no harm so it is not necessary to pull back when you pee. Everything in the preputial sac is covered with [[Mucosa| mucosal membrane]] (similar to the inside of your mouth), which likes to be wet, so no damage or threat to health or well-being is caused by having [[urine]] inside the [[foreskin]]. The sphincter action of the preputial orifice functions as a one way valve, blocking the entry of contaminants and pathogens while allowing the passage of urine.<ref name="fleiss1998" /> The [[urine ]]will help to flush contaminants and pathogens out of the [[foreskin]]. Some individuals may experience [[ballooning of the foreskin]], which is harmless. The [[foreskin]] overhang or [[acroposthion]] may be used as a hose nozzle to control and direct the stream. It may help to stretch one's [[foreskin]] out from one's body. One man said, "When I need to pee, I open my fly, pull my foreskin out and give it a tug to get any wrinkles out, then I hold my foreskin with the thumb and forefinger of both hands and use the overhang of my foreskin to direct my stream. When I finish, I milk it a bit to get any residual pee out of my [[urethra]]." [[Foreskinned]] men may report feeling a slight tickling sensation as the [[urine]] flows out through their [[acroposthion]].

One may pull back or not pull back for [[urination]]The text of this section has been relocated to its own article. Either way is okay. ===Video===A NSFW video of a Please see [[Urination by foreskinnedmen]] man urinating through his [[acroposthion]].  https://www.reddit.com/r/4skinoverhang/comments/15xxkyc/overhang_soft_pee/

* {{REFweb

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|authorlink=Connor Justin Garrett |publisher=Intact AamericaAmerica