While circumcision might be the default in the US, around the world it’s far more common for men to be uncut. But that doesn’t mean it has to be a source of shame or insecurity for them.
It’s important to be clear with your sexual partners about whether you’re cut or uncut, as this affects how the foreskin retracts during sex. Here’s what your penis actually looks like without the foreskin:
The glans
The foreskin is a patch of loose skin that covers the head (also called the glans) of your penis. It contains specialized cells that help protect the glans and prevent infection. It also creates friction and stimulation during penetration, giving both people extra pleasure. Many guys who choose to remain uncircumcised believe that the foreskin enhances sexual pleasure and intimacy.
The glans penis is the tip of your erectile tube-shaped organ, which extends from the root to where it connects to your lower belly. It has a shaft and head, and it looks like a rod with a slit-like opening at the end. Inside the penis is the urethra, a tube used for urination and semen. The urethra runs through the corpus spongiosum, the visible part of your penis that sticks out from your pubic area, and then it enters the prostate gland through a slitlike opening called the meatus.
The glans and the foreskin are connected by a fold of skin called the frenulum. The frenulum is tight at birth, and it gets looser as a child grows older. Most children can retract the foreskin by the time they reach puberty. Sometimes a child can’t retract the foreskin because of a condition called phimosis, which is caused by a tight ring of foreskin that prevents full retraction. This is usually harmless, and it resolves on its own after a while or by the time the child is an adult.
The foreskin
The foreskin, also called the prepuce, covers the head of the penis and is a protective layer. Newborn boys are born with a foreskin that can retract or be pulled back from the glans, but most of the time it stays attached at the head of the penis and remains in place until about age 3.
The uncircumcised penis is often more attractive than the circumcised one. It can be a source of pride for many men and some women who want to keep their penis intact, whether for aesthetic or hygienic reasons.
Keeping the foreskin does not increase sexual pleasure, but it can help reduce the risk of infection in the area by keeping the area covered and moist. Uncircumcised men also have a higher rate of urinary tract infections and the possibility of foreskin rash, but these risks can be reduced with proper hygiene such as washing the penis and the head of the foreskin frequently and using condoms during sexual activity.
Regardless of whether a man chooses to remain circumcised or not, it’s a personal choice and shouldn’t be influenced by social pressure. Some people may not be able to get circumcised because of medical conditions like phimosis or paraphimosis, and others simply prefer not to have their foreskin removed. Ultimately, the decision to be circumcised or not should be based on personal preference and cultural or religious beliefs.
Smegma
The glans of uncircumcised males can accumulate a white, gummy substance called smegma. A mix of shedded skin cells and skin oils, smegma is produced by the body to lubricate areas like the head of the penis in men or the clitoral hood and folds of the labia minora in females. If smegma is not regularly washed away, it can collect under the foreskin or in the folds of the preputial skin and harden. [1]
Despite this, smegma is not harmful or dangerous. It can be easily wiped away with soap and water or a washcloth (think how you wipe your ears). In fact, smegma is normal and can even help a man feel more sensitive in bed by creating less friction when he ejaculates.
However, if too much smegma builds up, it may cause irritation, odor, and painful inflammation. In these cases, it is important to practice proper hygiene and frequently clean the head of the penis. This can be done by gently pulling back the foreskin and using soap and warm water to rinse. In addition, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting underwear and use talcum powder, which is gentler than bar soap.
Some partners have also reported that sex with an uncircumcised penis feels better than sex with a circumcised one, as there is less friction and it allows the glans to move freely during penetration. It is recommended to discuss this with your sexual partner before deciding whether or not to be circumcised.
Pearls
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from a man’s penis. This results in the glans being exposed both when the penis is flaccid and erect. Despite this, many guys choose to keep their foreskin intact. This can be for a variety of reasons, including religious and cultural beliefs or simply because they prefer the natural state of their penises.
Regardless of the reason, it is important to know that being circumcised does not affect sexual function or pleasure. However, uncircumcised men may have a slightly higher risk of infection due to the foreskin being an area where bacteria can build up easily. Practicing good hygiene by washing the head of the penis regularly and using condoms during sexual activity can help reduce this risk.
Whether to get circumcised or not is a personal decision that should be made with the advice of a doctor. Many adults decide to remain uncircumcised, and they should never be ashamed of this choice. In fact, many women report a boost in sexual pleasure and intimacy when their partners are uncircumcised. If your partner is uncircumcised, consider embracing the difference and exploring new pleasure techniques, such as sliding the foreskin up over the head during a hand job or oral sex and licking it. Be sure to communicate any concerns or questions with your partner so that both of you are comfortable with the situation.
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