Sex Ed 102: Foreskin, Cut vs. Uncut, Which Is Better?

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Many of you have sent questions and concerns about either your body or your partners body, especially in regard to the foreskin. Unfortunately, specific concerns aren’t going to be answered in the video above. A separate video will be created at a later date that addresses issues you’ve messaged about.

That said, the primary part of this page will be focused on the foreskin and explore the key distinctions between being cut vs uncut while the video and lower portion of this page will be focused on helping my male viewers understand, from a cis female perspective, whether or not being circumcised makes a difference when it comes to intercourse. For the record, I’m basing the info on the messages I’ve received from female viewers – not just my own opinion and experiences.

Understanding the Foreskin: Cut vs. Uncut

The foreskin is a fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis, providing protection and lubrication. While all cis males are born with foreskin, some individuals undergo circumcision, a procedure in which the foreskin is surgically removed, typically for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.

The debate around circumcision, and the differences between being “cut” (circumcised) and “uncut” (uncircumcised), has led to much discussion regarding health, hygiene, sexual function, and personal preference. This article explores the key distinctions between cut and uncut penises, addressing both the physical and functional differences.

Anatomy and Function of the Foreskin

The foreskin serves several purposes, particularly in its natural state. It protects the sensitive glans from external irritation, maintains lubrication by trapping moisture, and contributes to sexual sensation due to its high concentration of nerve endings. The foreskin is retractable, meaning it can be pulled back to expose the glans during sexual activity or cleaning. The inner lining of the foreskin also contains glands that secrete a substance known as smegma, which helps to keep the area moist but requires proper hygiene to avoid buildup.

 Circumcised (Cut) vs. Uncircumcised (Uncut)

Circumcised (Cut): Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, commonly performed in infancy or early childhood, but it can be done at any age. The primary reasons for circumcision include religious or cultural traditions, or for perceived health benefits. Some medical professionals advocate circumcision for its potential to reduce the risk of certain infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Without the foreskin, the glans is fully exposed, which can result in the skin becoming less sensitive over time due to constant exposure to friction and environmental factors. Some report reduced sensitivity during sexual activity after circumcision, though others report no significant difference in pleasure. Because circumcised penises do not have a foreskin, they require less maintenance regarding hygiene, as there is no risk of smegma buildup.

Uncircumcised (Uncut): Those with an intact foreskin are considered “uncut” or uncircumcised. The foreskin remains over the glans and can be retracted for cleaning or during sexual activity. The foreskin’s presence is believed to contribute to heightened sexual pleasure for some, as it retains moisture and can enhance sensitivity due to the large number of nerve endings. During intercourse or masturbation, the foreskin glides over the glans, potentially providing additional stimulation.

Proper hygiene is essential for those uncircumcised to avoid issues such as infections or inflammation, known as balanitis. Regular cleaning under the foreskin is necessary to maintain health and prevent discomfort. Some uncircumcised individuals may experience tightness of the foreskin, a condition known as phimosis, which can be managed with medical intervention if needed.

Sexual Sensation and Function

Sexual sensation is one of the most debated aspects of circumcision versus being uncircumcised. The foreskin contains numerous nerve endings, which can enhance sensitivity during sexual activity for uncircumcised men. The gliding action of the foreskin during intercourse or masturbation may provide a different type of stimulation that circumcised men do not experience.

On the other hand, some studies suggest that those who are circumcised may experience less sensitivity over time due to the constant exposure of the glans, though many that are circumcised report no difference in sexual satisfaction. Ultimately, sexual pleasure and function vary significantly between individuals, and both circumcised and uncircumcised individuals can enjoy healthy and fulfilling sex lives.

Cut vs Uncut, What Females Say

To answer the question as simply as possible (I’m basing this on the number of emails I received from female viewers I polled about the topic)… some women love circumcised penises, others don’t prefer them, some don’t give a rats ass either way.

More specifically, some found that circumcised men provided a different sexual experience due to the exposed glans, which offered to a firmer sensation during intercourse. Some appreciated the ease of hygiene with circumcised partners, as the lack of a foreskin meant less concern about cleanliness in that area. While for others, the visual appearance of a circumcised penis aligned with what they were more familiar with, which influenced comfort levels during intimacy.

On the other hand, women who had been with uncircumcised partners appreciated the presence of the foreskin, which created a more dynamic, gliding sensation during intercourse. The natural lubrication and mobility of the foreskin contributed to a different kind of stimulation, which some found more pleasurable.

Additionally, some women were less focused on whether their partner was circumcised or uncircumcised and instead valued the sexual connection, open communication, and safety they felt with their partner. All of that said, preferences for cut versus uncut partners were subjective and depended on individual comfort, body awareness, and what each person found pleasurable during sexual encounters.

Again, whether you’re circumcised or not, great sex has less to do with the penis and more to do with how you use it, how well you stimulate your partner (in the way that they need), how open you are to feedback, openly communicating with each other, creating a space of safety and comfort in the moment, and a willingness to make adjustments so that everyone has a great time. Keep in mind that 70% of cis women require clitoral stimulation to achieve an orgasm. A penis, as wonderful as it may be, cannot provide the necessary stimulation to the clitoris to get off.

As always, if you are like me and understand the importance of inclusive sex education and want to help support what I am doing, please link, forward, or embed my videos to anyone that you think might benefit from them.

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2 Responses to Sex Ed 102: Foreskin, Cut vs. Uncut, Which Is Better?

  1. Joel August 27, 2009 at 9:07 pm #

    I think you may have put it a little too simply when you said that cut or ‘uncut’ makes no difference in sex (I do prefer the term intact though – a penis should no more be referred to as uncut or uncircumcised as a vagina should be.)

    The foreskin DOES have sexual function. Its mobility allows it to move back and forth, to reduce abrasive friction caused by sex. The foreskin also moves forward over the head of the penis on the outstroke, locking in vaginal wetness that the head of the penis would otherwise draw out of the vagina. These two functions keep sex wetter longer. That means less soreness later on.

    However, you are right, the quality of sex REALLY lies entirely on your partner. Being a good lover has to do with how you use what you have. How you treat your partner, your technique, and your ability to read the cues your partner gives.

    I do hope that your following videos on this topic will discourage viewers from choosing circumcision for their new, healthy infants. But, at the same time, not causing discouragement on the part of men already circumcised.

    Good comments about wearing protection and about how clitoral stimulation is key! You really are a great educator. I have been watching your channel for a LONG time now. I am glad to see you are taking on this topic, as it is a topic in which much myth and misconception exist.

  2. Joel August 27, 2009 at 9:17 pm #

    Also, be careful of the links you have provided.

    the website:

    http://www.circinfo.com

    contains incredibly biased information. It is certainly not a reliable source of information. Many myths are perpetuated, and has many clear examples of obviously faulty logic. Also, notice the word choices used in many of the articles it hosts. This website has a very clear agenda, and its not a good one.

    Be aware, there is a lot of money to be made in the circumcision business. Beyond making money off of each circumcision, some hospitals and clinics sell infant foreskins to biomedical companies and pharmaceutical companies (for cosmetic products). Oprah has even advertised a face cream on her television show, and told her audience it was made with infant foreskins like it was no big deal.

    It pays to be careful which information you trust, online or not.

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