Penis Foreskin: What's it for?

22nd May, 2023

Foreskin

Foreskin is a fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. It covers and usually extends far beyond the glans before folding under itself to its circumferential point of attachment just behind the corona (the rim of the glans). The foreskin is, therefore, a double-layered organ. Its true length is twice the length of its external fold and comprises as much as 80 per cent or more of the penile skin covering. In children, the foreskin often runs to impressive lengths, frequently representing over three-quarters of the length of the penis.

Functions Of Foreskin

Erotic pleasure, especially via the ridged band and Meissner's corpuscles

Acts as a rolling bearing in intercourse and masturbation

Prevents dyspareunia (painful intercourse)

Stimulates partner's genitalia, giving erotic pleasure

Supplies skin to cover the shaft in erection and prevent tightness

Stores pheromones and releases them on arousal

Stores and releases natural lubricants ("smega" and pre-ejaculatory fluid)

Makes the glans a visual signal of sexual arousal

Provides a seal against the vaginal wall to contain semen Protective

Prevents the glans from becoming keratinised, and keeps it soft and moist

Protects the thin-skinned glans against injury

Protects the nerves of the glans, retaining their erotic function

Provides lysosomes for bacteriostatic action around the glans