It is always worrying to see any kind of fluid, redness or deposit around your private parts, and even more difficult to dare to go to a consultation or ask a doctor. Do you have a whitish deposit on your glans? Don’t panic, it’s smegma. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
The word smegma comes from Latin and means “detergent”. It also has its roots in the Greek word smekhein , which means to wash, to clean, and usually refers to soap. Quite the opposite of what we imagine when we see this whitish deposit, a bit “curdled” and unappetizing. In reality, it is a natural cleansing process that serves to balance the flora and also to lubricate. Smegma is therefore useful, although it can sometimes be embarrassing when it accumulates and creates a hygiene problem. It should also be noted that this fluid is found in both men and women, although it tends to be more noticeable in men.
What does smegma look like?
Smegma is a very recognizable fluid that forms a whitish, curd-like deposit around the genitals. It is secreted by the preputial glands (which are located under the foreskin, as the name implies). The production of smegma can be compared to the functioning of perspiration. These glands are not present in the same amount in all men and contain mainly dead cells; therefore, the amount of smegma produced will not be the same in all men.
In addition, uncircumcised men will see smegma accumulate in the groove of the glans penis when it is covered by the foreskin. Again, there will be a difference: circumcised men are much less prone to the presence of this whitish deposit. Andrologists even note that circumcised men stop secreting smegma over time. But don’t worry, it is not necessary to undergo circumcision to stop it from bothering you (it is not an operation performed as a preventive measure in France).
It is enough to practice good hygiene to avoid the accumulation that creates these unsightly stains. On the other hand, during cleaning, avoid pulling too hard on the foreskin (especially in the case of boys) and consult a doctor if the foreskin does not come off easily.
The importance of hygiene
It is during washing that you must be meticulous and remove any smegma that may have accumulated. Do not use a too aggressive soap, with a mild one you will avoid damaging this sensitive area. Rinse well and, above all, dry the area well before trimming it again, otherwise maceration may occur, which could cause odor problems. Do not hesitate to wash every day (or even more often if you do sports). This hygiene problem occurs especially in young people who still have difficulties in uncumming, but also in older adults who have erection problems.
Hygiene is something to be taken very seriously, especially in the intimate areas, as poor hygiene can be the cause of certain diseases and infections. The most common is balanitis (when the glans is red and completely inflamed). Balanitis is caused by the accumulation of smegma between the glans and the foreskin. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor at the first sign of inflammation. Some studies have shown a link between a serious lack of hygiene and the risk of penile cancer. All the more reason to regularly clean your sexual relations!
