Recently, many patients have asked me about this topic in the clinic, and it seems that people are still very concerned about the foreskin, so I think it is necessary to make a special topic to talk about this issue in detail, so there is the following blog post: The foreskin is the most special and precious gift from God to primates, especially humans. evolution. This is evidence that its function and structure have indeed endured through the ages, but have remained intact. However, in some races or religious cultures, this precious gift is cut off as a sacrifice during childhood or during the “rite of passage” in order to conform to their social heritage or religious rituals. This gift from God is – the foreskin! Although most physicians today acknowledge that the foreskin is a normal structure of the penis that has been preserved through millions of years of evolutionary history, they still believe that the foreskin is prone to harboring bacteria and infections, and that the secretion of foreskin tumescence is likely to contribute to the development of cervical cancer, so most of them recommend early circumcision.
Is the foreskin really useless, as mentioned above? Or does it not have a place in the book of functions because it can only be used as a ritual totem? Or is it simply a useless structure that has not yet had time to die out completely in the evolutionary history of mankind?
Actually, no! Because up to now, it is still not a “dispensable” trace organ of the human body (one is the appendix and the other is the third molar), which shows that it must have some function, but we have neglected it before. Therefore, I think it is necessary to make some medical “vindication” for the foreskin.
Here we list the 17 functions of the foreskin, and arrange them in order of importance.
A: Sexuality I. Increase sexual pleasure. The sensation at the ligament is particularly acute.
Second, during intercourse or masturbation, the inner and outer plates of the foreskin slide and have a comfortable “rolling bearing” sensation.
The inner and outer plates of the foreskin slide on their own, reducing the friction on the vaginal wall and avoiding painful intercourse.
4. The abundant foreskin can stimulate the partner’s genitalia and obtain pleasure.
V. When erection occurs, it provides the skin needed for penile elongation and avoids the feeling of constriction.
The foreskin can store “pheromone” and release it during sexual arousal to fully stimulate the partner’s desire.
Seven, foreskin can store natural lubricating fluid (pre-ejaculatory fluid), released when sexually excited, play a lubricating role during sex.
Eight, the glans becomes the focus of visual stimulation during sexual arousal.
IX. To provide a temporary receptacle for semen to reduce wear and tear on the vaginal wall.
B: Protection x. Protects the glans from hyperkeratosis of the glans skin and keeps it loose and moist.
XI. Protect the “thin-skinned” glans from injury.
Twelve, to protect the nerves of the glans to avoid damage to erectile function.
Thirteen, in children, to protect the urethral opening from contamination or urinary tract infection.
Fourteen, foreskin secretions originally have antibacterial components, which are relatively clear on the lysozyme, which can play a role in killing and inhibiting germs.
Fifteen, to protect the non-pigmented glans from sunburn.
Sixteen, to protect the glans, which has an already inadequate blood supply, from frostbite. (Remember Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ frostbite of the glans when he crossed the Arctic zone?)
C: Other XVII. Provide skin for reconstructive orthopedic surgery. (e.g., hypospadias, eyelid burns) From the above, it is clear that the foreskin is a special kind of erogenous tissue in humans, and if the old saying “What is the great desire of man and woman? If the old saying “the great desire of man and woman is to eat and drink? Therefore, when the study of sexual function is becoming a popular subject, should we not also give the foreskin a proper place and not find reasons to cut it off at every turn!
In addition, men who are circumcised often lose their “precious” ties and other functions, and neuromas (Neuroma) may form at the scars. Therefore, in my opinion, the indications for circumcision should be set more strictly, unless absolutely necessary, and should only be considered when medical treatment has failed. When circumcision is to be performed, it should also be performed with a cosmetic foreskin concept, preserving as much as possible the bulbous sensory receptors, the Dartos muscle, the foreskin mucosa, etc., and avoiding exposure of the glans to avoid hyperkeratosis of the local skin.
In many medical opinions, such as the Australasian Society of Pediatric Surgery, the Canadian Pediatric Medical Association and pediatric urology textbooks, it is considered that the glans and the mucous membrane of the foreskin in newborns are a complex fusion that is not yet mature, and that caution should be exercised in performing circumcision; in adolescence, it is also advisable to inform the boys themselves clearly, and it is best to wait until they understand the pros and cons of circumcision before performing it. In the case of circumcision that affects the health of the child, the structure and function of the foreskin must be preserved as much as possible. If the quality of medical care is high enough, all circumcised foreskin should be sent for pathological examination to determine if the indications for circumcision are correct!
Of course, not only should the physician understand the role and function of the foreskin, but the parents of the child or the adult patient should also raise their awareness of the foreskin.