Smegma

Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

The smegma consists of the secretion of sebum glands in the genital area and exfoliated epithelial cells of the skin. In boys and men it is deposited under the foreskin as a white-yellowish, cheese-like layer; in girls and women it can accumulate between the labia. Read everything you need to know about smegma: composition, function and possible health problems!

What is smegma?

Smegma is a sebum-like, yellowish-white mass between the glans penis and the foreskin. It is also called foreskin sebum and consists of secretions from the sebum glands, which are located in the skin of the glans, and flaked epithelial cells from the inside of the foreskin (prepuce).

Smegma also forms in women - it settles between the inner and outer labia.

The cheese-like mass should be removed regularly because germs can easily multiply in it. The typical type of bacteria found there is Mycobacterium smegmatis.

What is the function of the smegma?

The smegma - the word is derived from the Greek word for soap - forms a protective film for the glans. However, this film must be removed with daily cleaning in order to remove the nutrient medium for bacterial growth.

Where is the smegma located?

Smegma forms under the foreskin in boys and men, where it settles in the fold of skin. In girls and women, it can accumulate between the labia.

What problems can smegma cause?

If the smgema is not removed regularly (poor intimate hygiene) or cannot be removed sufficiently (for example if the foreskin is too narrow and cannot be pulled back sufficiently), the bacteria multiply in the sebum. This can lead to inflammation or infection. There is also an unpleasant odor.

If the cheese-like mass is not removed for a long time, incrustations also occur, which form stones (smegmolites) with uric salts.

Smegma is said to encourage the formation of tumors on the penis (such as penile cancer).

Circumcision can prevent smegma in men. The foreskin is partially or completely removed.

Tags:  desire to have children alternative medicine medicinal herbal home remedies