The foreskin is the double fold of skin that covers the tip of the penis and forms the sheath surrounding the penis when it's flaccid. It can be retracted to expose the glans penis and provides lubrication during intercourse. Many people believe that the foreskin serves no purpose besides protection, but research suggests otherwise. In fact, the foreskin is full of sensory receptors that are essential for sexual pleasure. According to one study, the foreskin has more nerve endings than any other part of the male genitalia except the glans itself. The glans contains the highest concentration of nerves per square centimeter of all human skin, including the lips, nipples, and genitals. It also has the highest number of free nerve endings per millimeter squared of any part of the body, making it especially sensitive. However, the foreskin comes close second, containing 10 times as many nerve endings as the shaft of the penis. This means that the foreskin plays an important role in male arousal and orgasm.
When a man is sexually stimulated, the foreskin moves back and forth over the glans, creating friction and stimulation. This motion activates the thousands of nerve endings in the foreskin, which send signals to the brain via the nervous system. These signals increase blood flow to the area and trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, producing feelings of pleasure and excitement. The foreskin also protects the delicate skin of the glans from irritants and bacteria. When the foreskin is retracted during sex or masturbation, this creates more direct contact between the glans and clitoris, increasing sexual pleasure for both partners. Some people even claim that the foreskin enhances sensitivity by stretching and lubricating the glans before intercourse, though research on this is limited.
Despite its importance, many men have their foreskins removed without medical need. Circumcision involves removing the entire foreskin and sometimes some or all of the glans. The procedure can be done in infancy or adulthood but carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and reduced sensitivity. In fact, studies show that circumcised men report lower levels of sexual satisfaction than uncircumcised men. They may also experience difficulty reaching climax and ejaculating due to decreased sensation. For these reasons, some doctors recommend leaving children's foreskins intact unless there is a clear medical reason for removal. However, personal choice should always be respected, and those who choose circumcision should still enjoy healthy and fulfilling relationships with their partners.