Smegma: What is it and why should I care?
Hands down the best definition of smegma, including 10 little-known facts about the meaning, origin, usage, and story behind smegma.myheart.net
What is Smegma? – A Definition
Smegma is a malodorous, opaque white or yellow substance composed of shed epithelial cells (dead skin) and sebum (oily secretions) produced by the sebaceous glands of male and female genitalia. It is found beneath the foreskin and glans penis in males and the folds of skin surrounding the clitoris in females.
From a medical standpoint, the combination of dead skin cells and oily residue isn’t in of itself problematic. It’s only when a person allows this putrid biological concoction to slowly bake in the warm, moist environment around the labia or under the foreskin that smegma is formed.
As the oils mix with the dead skin cells, they provide an ideal substrate for bacterial consumption. When left unattended, “we” create an ideal breeding ground for the worst-smelling bacteria.
Although the bacteria are generally harmless, they inevitably produce extremely unappetizing byproducts responsible for an undoubtedly horrific odor. Anecdotes from the poor souls unfortunate enough to have encountered smegma in the wild describe it as a sulfur-rich stench resembling sour milk or swiss cheese.
When Does Smegma Become a Problem?
Smegma often gets ‘bad press’, but this is the result of an unhealthy accumulation of smegma rather than a direct result of production itself. As explained above, the combination of smegma, a warm moist environment and time result in thriving bacterial colonies and the stinky cheese smell.
Now obviously you can’t do anything about smegma production, and unless you get circumcised, the warm environment is there to stay, but the time aspect is certainly a controllable factor. Be sure to bathe regularly – with attention to your private bits.
Can It Cause Health Issues?
As well as being malodorous, the accumulation of smegma can actually result in more serious health issues. Balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin) can result from smegma build up.
These conditions can be very painful and often require medical treatment. In general they resolve with little long term consequences, but repeated episodes can result in scarring and possibly phimosis. This is a condition whereby the foreskin becomes stuck over the head of the penis and is unable to be retracted. Phimosis can be a distressful condition and may even require surgery for resolution.
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