Body  Penis  Masturbation  Penetration  Ejaculation  Problems

What is a foreskin?

The foreskin (or prepuce) forms a sheathlike covering over the glans; it may be present or absent in an adult penis, depending on whether it has been circumsized.

The outer surface of the foreskin is skin; the inner surface is a sensitive mucosal membrane which contains sebaceous glands that lubricate and protect the glans from friction. Many circumcised men complain that their glans becomes too sensitive as it rubs against clothing.

The foreskin is tethered by the frenulum, which stops it retracting too far and draws it forward again. The foreskin is filled with nerve endings called stretch receptors. These nerve endings fire when they are stretched, rolled, or massaged.

The stretch receptors are unlike the nerve endings in the head of the penis which are very sensitive to friction but can be so sensitive that the sensation can be irritating or painful. The nerve endings in the head of the penis tend to trigger orgasm much more than the nerve endings in the foreskin.

Other sites:

• Intactness and normal penile anatomy