Does being pulled back give any protection against STIs?

[kippersharp137]

Hi guys! Keeping my foreskin consistently retracted for the first time.

Amongst other things, I'm interested in the research showing circumcision reducing STI rates, particularly HIV, HPV and HSV-2. The most interesting research is newer stuff focusing on the changes to the penile microbiome. It sounds like anaerobic bacteria that sometimes live in the foreskin could activate inflammation and cells that get targeted by these viruses. Add on to this that the environment of the foreskin could harbour them after sex.

My question is, does having the foreskin permanently retracted reduce these same bacteria by exposing that area to air and eliminating anaerobic bacteria? And if so, would it provide a similar defence against STIs as circumcision? Is there any way to gauge this?

My theory is yes, but I'm wondering if this is misreading something. And if so, I'm really curious how much of an effect there is, and how much it compares to circumcision in the type of protection it offers.

Here's some of the stuff I'm talking about:
https://publichealth.gwu.edu/content/study-points-penile-microbiome-risk-factor-hiv-men
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/circumcision-alters-penis-bacteria/
https://journals.lww.com/jaids/fulltext/2006/09000/association_between_hiv_and_subpreputial_penile.12.aspx

[soundsgreat87]

As far as I know there is zero research done on this and therefore no conclusions can be drawn beyond speculation. "Don't use anything on this forum as medical advice" and all that.