Gliding action
Gliding action is the term used to describe the hypothesized motion of the foreskin which some believe reduces friction during sexual intercourse. The foreskin is attached to the penis only near the symphysis pubis and behind the glans penis. Some believe that the foreskin alternately everts and un-everts as it glides (rolls) back and forth, an effect that may be possible in those males with long and loose foreskins. The gliding action was described by Lakshamanan & Prakash in 1980: [1] and has subsequently been developed from a localised action on the shaft of the penis to one of massaging the glans penis by anti-circumcision activists to firther their cause.
Anti-circumcision activists Warren & Bigelow claim that any gliding action would help to reduce vaginal dryness and that, in their opinion, restoration of the gliding action is an important advantage of foreskin restoration. [2] The existence and benefits of such a gliding action is an important component of the anti-circumcision argument.
Anti circumcision activist Taylor suggests that the gliding action motion, where it occurs, may stimulate the nerves of the ridged band [3].
Whiddon (1953) and Foley (1966) claim that ease of penetration during coitus is provided by the foreskin. [4][5] Taves reported, based upon a sample size of one, a ten-fold increase in force required to penetrate a paper cup in the absence of the foreskin. [6]
Some critics doubt that any gliding action of the foreskin could provide any real benefits to sexual intercourse. They also point to the number of possible variations including penis size (both length and girth), the relative tightness of the vagina, and the variations in length and looseness of each individual foreskin and assert that any benefits would be relevant to an individual situation.
External links
- Lakshmanan S, Prakash S. Human prepuce: some aspects of structure and function. Indian J Surg 1980;44:134-37 [7]
- Warren J, Bigelow J. The case against circumcision. Br J Sex Med 1994; Sept/Oct: 6-8 [8]
Reference
- Bigelow, J. The Joy of Uncircumcising!: Restore Your Birthright and Maximize Sexual Pleasure. Aptos, CA: Hourglass Book Publishing, 1992, 1995: pp. 4, 11, 17, 25-26, 30, 138, 181.
Image
This series of drawings illustrates the hypothesized gliding action of the foreskin within the vagina during coitus. Note: This is a presentation distributed by anti-circumcision activists.
