Gliding action

Gliding action is the term used to describe the actual motion of the foreskin. This motion, pleasant and enjoyable according to some descriptions, can reduce friction during sexual intercourse. The existence of the gliding action is an important component of normal sexuality.

The fore/shaft-skin is attached to the penis only near the symphysis pubis and behind the glans penis. Anti-circumcision activists argue that the foreskin alternately everts and un-everts as it glides (rolls) back and forth. The gliding action was described by Lakshamanan & Prakash in 1980: [1]:

"The outer layer of the prepuce in common with the skin of the shaft of the penis glides freely in a to and fro fashion..."

Genital integrity advocates 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 protection of vaginal lubrication by the gliding action of the foreskin has been confirmed by a survey of women.[3]

O'Hara describes the gliding action:

"Friction is not entirely eliminated during natural intercourse but it is largely eliminated. Friction can take place in the lower vagina, but only if the man uses a stroke that exceeds the (forward and backward) gliding range of the shaft's extra skin. And in such a case, there will be friction only to the extent that the shaft exceeded its extra skin, which is uncommon since the natural penis has a propensity for short strokes. Primarily, it is the penis head that makes frictional contact with the vaginal walls, usually in the upper vagina where there is ample lubrication....The gliding principle of natural intercourse is a two-way street—the vagina glides on the shaft skin while the shaft skin massages the penis shaft as it glides over it. (O'Hara, p.72)

Sexual effects. Taylor, a genital integrity activist, suggests that the gliding action, where it occurs, may stimulate the nerves of the ridged band [4], and speculates that the stretching of the frenulum by the rearward gliding action during penetration triggers ejaculation. [5]

Ease of penetration. The foreskin glides as the penis penetrates the vagina. Whiddon (1953) and Foley (1966) report that ease of penetration during coitus is provided by the foreskin.[6][7] In the first study of its kind, Taves tested the actual force required to penetrate. He reported, based upon a sample size of one, a ten-fold increase in force required in the absence of the foreskin.[8]

Schoeberlein reports that men with phimosis may not enjoy gliding action.[9]

Alternative view

There is a body of opinion which holds that the foreskin is immovable, does not glide, does not have erogenous sensation, does not reduce friction during intercourse, and does not conserve vaginal lubrication.

Image

File:Gliding action1.png

Gliding action illustrated. Figures one and two depict intromission; Figures three and four depict deep penetration with stretching of the frenulum; and Figures five and six depict withdrawal

This image illustrates the physical movements of gliding action during sexual intercourse.

External links

• Lakshmanan S, Prakash S. Human prepuce: some aspects of structure and function. Indian J Surg 1980;44:134-37 [10]

• Warren J, Bigelow J. The case against circumcision. Br J Sex Med 1994; Sept/Oct: 6-8 [11]

Reference

• Jim Bigelow, Ph.D. 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.

• Kristen O'Hara with Jeffrey O'Hara. Chapter 5 In: Sex as Nature Intended It. Hudson, Massachusetts, 2001: pp. 69-79.