Every summer, the same story makes the rounds on social media: At the end of a fun day at the pool, a parent helps her son change out of his swim trunks, only to find that his penis is stuck to the internal mesh lining and can’t be removed. The story usually concludes with the child requiring a trip to the Emergency Department, and the parent always warns others to cut out the mesh from their kids’ swimsuits immediately.
We wondered: Does this really happen" Should parents cut the lining" Before you grab your scissors, read on.
Why do swim trunks even have mesh"

The white mesh layer inside boys’ swimsuits is supposed to act as a protective barrier for genitals. According to the swimwear brand Bermies, the mesh prevents chafing from contact with the swim trunks? fabric, and holds everything close to the body to prevent any accidents while swimming. Clothing retailer Lands End says basically the same thing; its suits usually include mesh because it adds a soft texture that protects the skin from fabrics that aren’t as soft. The mesh also provides good drainage when you’re swimming, and good airflow when you’re not. Finally, the mesh can also add a layer of modesty. How could a penis possibly get trapped in the mesh"

Put simply, the foreskin can become entrapped within the tiny holes of the mesh, where it swells up and gets stuck. If you can’t picture it and you’d like to see what that looks like, click h...