The glans is a sensitive part of the male penis that can be easily injured if it is exposed to rubbing, friction, or pressure. Fortunately, nature has provided a solution in the form of the foreskin, which covers the glans during non-erect and erect states. In this article, I will explain how the foreskin works to protect the glans and what happens when the foreskin is removed.
What is the foreskin?
The foreskin is a double layer of skin that covers the tip of the penis. It is attached to the penile shaft at the bottom and extends upwards over the glans. The inner surface of the foreskin is smooth and lubricated with mucus, while the outer surface is coarser and has folds called papillae that provide grip and traction.
How does the foreskin protect the glans?
During arousal and sexual stimulation, the foreskin retracts from the glans, exposing it for pleasure. This action naturally exposes the glans to various risks, such as dryness, irritation, chafing, and even injury. But the foreskin acts like a shield, protecting the glans from these dangers by providing a barrier between it and external objects. When the foreskin is intact, the penis remains hidden behind it, preventing abrasions or chaffing from clothing or other materials. Furthermore, the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the foreskin acts like a natural lubricant, keeping the glans moisturized and protected from friction.
What happens if the foreskin is removed?
When the foreskin is removed (circumcised) during infancy or adulthood, the glans becomes more vulnerable to damage. Circumcision can cause reduced sensitivity in the penis due to a loss of nerve endings, decreased blood flow, and desensitization of the glans itself. This can lead to difficulty achieving erections, lowered libido, painful intercourse, and less intense orgasms. Removal of the foreskin also makes the glans prone to infection and inflammation, as it lacks the protection provided by the mucus-secreting cells found within the inner lining of the foreskin. Finally, circumcised men may experience discomfort while urinating, due to the exposed nature of the penile tip.
In conclusion, nature has wisely designed the human male penis with a foreskin that provides a protective covering for the glans, which otherwise would be susceptible to injury, dryness, and infections. However, removing this protection through circumcision can have negative effects on sexual function, pleasure, and health.