The male foreskin or prepuce, which forms a protective covering of the glans and urethral opening, has some remarkable qualities. First and foremost it is a highly erogenous zone. It contains a rich network of nerves and microspopic end organs highly sensitive to motion, touch, temperature and erogenous stimulation. It has greater sensitivity than the rest of the penile skin and also the glans penis, which can only sense deep pressure and pain. It protects and maintains the integrity and sensitivity of the glans. The prepuce, being a self-lubricating structure, allows the penis to enter the vagina in a non-abrasive manner. The female is stimulated by a moving pressure action in addition to friction which is all that the dry erect circumcised penis can supply.

The immunological properties of the foreskin are amazing. First, it acts as a one-way valve blocking entry of contaminants while allowing the passage of urine. Sebaceous glands produce smegma, which lubricates the inner prepuce and glans.

Evidence from animal studies shows that the prepuce can secrete immunoglobulins (antibodies) in response to bacterial infection. Apocrine glands produce numerous substances which can destroy viruses and bacteria (lysozyme, chymotrypsin, cytokine and others).

Scientific studies do not show any increase of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) in uncircumcised males. Studies from Africa looked at uncircumcised males in areas where most males were circumcised. In these cultures, such men face severe discrimination in housing, work, marriage and sex relations. A large percentage resort to prostitutes, increasing their exposure to STD’s. Such data obviously cannot be extrapolated to Western countries.

The circumcised penis, with glans and meatus exposed, are vulnerable to abrasion and dirt and to more infection in the first years of life than an intact penis. In fact, because the circumcised penis has less sensitivity, the circumcised male will tend to thrust more vigorously and longer to attain an orgasm. This in turn is more likely to cause more tears and abrasions in the vagina (or rectum) and to increase the chance of the transmission of STD’s, since microbes will have direct access below the protecting mucosa and will have direct access to the bloodstream.

I believe that if all parents knew these facts, very few would undertake the mutilation of their infant sons.

References:

(1) Fleiss, PM et al. Immunological functions of the human prepuce, Sex Transm Inf 1998; 74:364-367.

(2) Tuzin, Donald F., Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, 1999.