We often talk about sexual health regarding women especially when it is related to menstruation and pregnancy. However, talking about men’s sexual health often seems like something that is not well talked about or discussed. It may be due to the perspective that men seem to not have much issues with reproductive health when compared to women. Despite this, things such as smegma should be talked about as many might not understand what it is even in the world of medicine, smegma has its own significance.
Smegma is the thick substance, often seen in white colour and seems like a cheesy one, found under the foreskin of the penis. Smegma is commonly found in uncircumcised means that pays little attention to the area and does not clean the area well enough. Despite smegma seeming like a male thing, women may also get smegma in the vaginal area. People who find smegma may wonder if it is normal. Well, yes it is normal to have some smegma and in general it should not be a health issue. Despite this, smegma can be an issue as it can cause bad smell. These bad smells are often the result of bacterial growth.
Smegma is known as a natural lubricant which keeps the penis moist. Besides commonly found under the foreskin, it may be found on the head of the penis. Smegma that builds up in the foreskin not only causes bad smell but also can prevent the easy foreskin movement. This is because the smegma causes the foreskin to stick onto the head of the penis. At times, the smegma can be seen as white pearl-shaped lumps as it develops. One thing for sure, there is nothing to be concerned about if there is no pain or symptoms apart from the smegma appearance.
Smegma is formed from the skin cells and oil produced by Tyson glands under the foreskin. This is what makes it a natural lubricant and also provides protection to the penis. Smegma under the foreskin of an infant may make a parent attempt to pull back the foreskin to clean the liquid. It is not recommended for parents to do this routinely. Reasons being is because if the foreskin is forcibly pulled back, it may lead to severe pain, bleeding, skin tears or even scarring. Parents are encouraged to have a talk with paediatricians on when the child’s foreskin is ready to be pulled back. Most boys around the age of 5 are able to retract the foreskin by themselves and some may be unable to retract it until they reach adolescent age but this is normal.
Build-up smegma may actually lead to a condition known as balanitis. Balanitis is a condition where there is inflammation to the head of the penis. The inflammation on the head of the penis can be seen as red, rash, swelling, burning, soreness, itching and irritation sensation. Balanitis can be the result of the poor hygiene of not cleaning the smegma well. Balanitis may also be caused by infection such as thrush, skin condition such as psoriasis and skin irritation such as from soap or condoms. Symptoms of balanitis include thick clumpy discharge either white or yellow, bad odour from the penis area and pain when urinating. While it is true that balanitis may seem harmless, repeated episodes may actually result in scarring and possibly phimosis. Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is unable to be retracted and appears as a tight ring round the tip of the penis.
The best way to ensure that smegma does not cause issues is to practise good hygiene. Simple practise of washing the genitals everyday with warm water and mild soap or emollient cream can help remove the smegma from build-up. Wash everyday in the bath or shower by gently cleaning around the testicles, anus and penis. To clean underneath the foreskin, carefully pull the foreskin. This is very important for uncircumcised males. It is best to avoid using perfumed soap or shower gel or any products that can irritate the genitals when washing it. It also advised to avoid prolonged retraction of the foreskin. If there is still discharge or bad smell, pain or discomfort to the penis area despite already washing the penis regularly, it is best to speak to a doctor as these may be signs of other conditions apart from the smegma.
It can be concluded that smegma is a normal substance found under the foreskin and on the penis head. It is more common for smegma to be found in those who are uncircumcised. Smegma usually does not cause issues unless there is build-up. Cleaning the penis and preventing smegma build-up can avoid issues such as bad smell or problems in retracting the foreskin. Study in 1947 showed that there may be a possibility of higher chances for cancer when there is smegma but recent studies show there is no link between smegma and penile cancer.