The Foreskin Advantage

Benefits enjoyed by males who are intact (not circumcised)

1. Full penis length and circumference. The "prepuce" (foreskin)
constitutes
50% or more of the skin system of the penis [1]. If unfolded and spread
flat, the average adult foreskin measures 60-90 square centimeters (10-14
square inches) [2], or about the size of an index card. The foreskin creates
a visibly longer penis, especially when the foreskin extends beyond the head
of the penis. Also, the double-layered tissue of the foreskin engorges with
blood during erection and creates a visibly and sensually thicker shaft and
glans.When the engorged foreskin retracts behind the coronal ridge of the
glans, it often creates a wider and more pronounced "ridge" that many
partners find especially stimulating during penetrative intercourse. The
circumcised penis appears truncated and thinner than a full-sized intact
penis.

2. Protection. The sleeve of tissue known as the foreskin normally covers
the glans and protects it from abrasion, drying, callusing (keratinization),
and environmental contaminants. The glans is intended by nature to be a
protected internal organ, like the female clitoris. The effect of an exposed
glans and resulting keratinization on human sexual response has never been
studied. Increasing reports by circumcised men indicate that keratinization
causes a loss of sexual sensation, pleasure and fulfillment [3, 4].

3. Ridged bands. The inner foreskin contains bands of densely innervated,
sexually responsive tissue [1]. They constitute a primary erogenous zone of
the human penis and are important for realizing the fullness and intensity
of sexual response [5].

4. Gliding action.  The foreskin is the only moving part of the penis.
During any sexual activity, the foreskin and glans work in unison; their
mutual interaction creates a complete sexual response. In heterosexual
intercourse, the non-abrasive gliding of the penis in and out of itself
within the vagina facilitates smooth and pleasurable intercourse for both
partners. Without this gliding action, the corona of the circumcised penis
can function as a one-way valve, dragging vaginal lubricants out into the
drying air and making artificial lubricants essential for non-painful
intercourse [6].

5. Specialized sensory tissue. In addition to the "ridged bands" mentioned
above, thousands of coiled fine-touch receptors (Meissner's corpuscles)
constitute the most important sensory component of the penis [1]. The
foreskin contains branches of the dorsal nerve and between 10,000 and 20,000
specialized erotogenic nerve endings of several types, which are capable of
sensing slight motion and stretch, subtle changes in temperature, and fine
gradations in texture [7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12].

6. The frenulum. This is a highly nerve-laden web of tissue that tethers the
inner foreskin to the underside of the glans. It is similar to the frenula
found under the tongue, the upper lip and the clitoral hood (female
foreskin). For many intact men, the penile frenulum is a male "G-spot" that
is highly pleasurable when repeatedly stretched and relaxed during sexual
activity [13]. Depending on the surgical method used, the frenulum is
partially to completely destroyed by circumcision.

7. Proper blood flow. The foreskin contains several feet of blood vessels,
including the frenular artery and branches of the dorsal artery. The loss of
this rich vascularization interrupts normal blood flow to the shaft and
glans of the penis, damaging the natural function of the penis and altering
its development [1].

8. Immunological defense. The soft mucosa of the inner foreskin produces
plasma cells, which secrete immunoglobulin antibodies, and antibacterial and
antiviral proteins [7, 14], such as the pathogen-killing enzyme called
lysozyme [15]. All of the human mucosa (the linings of the mouth, eyelids,
vagina, foreskin and anus) are the body's first line of defense against
disease. This benefit of the foreskin could be one possible explanation why
intact men are at lower risk of chlamydia and other sexually transmitted
diseases [16-21].

9.  Langerhans cells. These specialized epithelial cells are a component of
the immune system and may play a role in protecting the penis from sexually
transmitted infections such as HIV (AIDS).

10. Proper lymph flow. The foreskin contains lymphatic vessels, which are
necessary for proper lymph flow and immunological functioning.

11. Estrogen receptors. The foreskin contains estrogen receptors, whose
purpose is not yet fully understood and needs further study [22].

12. Apocrine glands. These glands produce pheromones, nature's invisible yet
compelling signals to potential sexual partners. The effect of their absence
on human sexual behavior has never been studied [23].

13. Sebaceous glands. The oils produced by these glands lubricate and
moisturize the foreskin and glans, so that the two structures function
together smoothly.

14. Dartos fascia. This is a smooth muscle sheath that underlies the
scrotum, the entire penis and the tip of the foreskin. It is necessary for
proper temperature regulation of the genitals (causing these structures to
elongate in the heat and shrink in the cold). Approximately half of the
Dartos fascia is destroyed by circumcision [7].

15. Natural texture and coloration of the glans. In the intact penis, the
glans normally appears moist, shiney, and pinkish-red to dark purple. These
visual cues often attract and excite a sexual partner. The glans of a
circumcised penis is dry, rough and often light pink to bluish-gray in
color.

16. Zero risk of serious infection or surgical injury.  Unfortunate boys who
suffer botched circumcisions lose part or all of their penis from surgical
mishap or subsequent infection. They are often "sexually reassigned" by
castration and "transgender surgery." They are relegated to a life of
hormone therapy and are compelled to live their lives as pseudo-females, the
success of which has never been fully assessed [24-46].

17. Zero risk of death from surgery. Every year boy die from the
complications of circumcision, a fact that the American circumcision
industry ignores, obscures, or downplays [29-31].

18. Zero risk of delayed or diminished maternal bonding. Circumcision, even
if anesthesia is used, causes unavoidable operative trauma and
post-operative pain that has been shown to disrupt bonding with the mother,
which in turn interferes with the first developmental task of every human,
that of trust (trust in human contact, in personal safety, etc) [47-51].

19.  Electromagnetic "cross-communication." Anecdotal reports suggest that,
without the mucosa of its foreskin, the penis lacks the capacity for the
subtle electromagentic energy transfer that occurs during contact between
two mucous membranes (the vaginal walls and the exposed inner lining of the
foreskin). Such contact contributes to the full experience of sexual
pleasure. These reports deserve further scientific study.

20. The foreskin is necessary for optimal health and well-being of the male,
as well as contributing to fulfillment
in his sexual relationships.





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