Smegma: What It Is, How to Prevent It & Treatment

You might call it dick cheese or man butter, but it has nothing to do with dairy.

What is smegma?

Smegma is a normal and natural buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, and oils that form under the foreskin of the penis. It usually appears as a thick, whitish substance with a foul odor. The easiest way to clean smegma is by washing your genitals regularly with mild soap and warm water.

When you’re not familiar with smegma, it’s common to think the secretion is a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). To put your mind at ease, this article will share how to identify smegma, why it accumulates, and what you can do to remove it safely.

“Smegma” comes from the Greek “smēgma,” which means soap or ointment. This thick, cheese-like substance consists of dead skin cells, sweat, and oils formed by sebaceous glands in the genitals.

In uncircumcised males, smegma forms under the foreskin. In females, smegma forms within the folds of the labia or around the clitoral hood and urethra.

Experts think smegma serves as a natural lubricant for the genitals. In males, smegma is thought to keep the cavity between the foreskin and the glans moist to decrease friction and discomfort during sex.

When smegma is first secreted, it has a smooth and moist texture.

As it builds up over time it may take on the following characteristics:

• A white or yellowish color

• Thick consistency resembling crumbled cheese

• A sour or fish-like odor

Smegma might not sound attractive, but it’s a perfectly normal and natural part of having genitals. Some experts claim it’s as harmless as earwax.

In the past, smegma was thought to contribute to penile cancer and prostate cancer in men and cervical cancer in women, but these theories have been debunked.

Anyone can have smegma, but it usually builds up under the foreskin in uncircumcised men or in females. In the U.S., an estimated 58.3 percent of male newborns and 80.5 percent of males aged 14-59 years are circumcised, making it plausible that women are more likely to be affected by smegma than men.

When you keep your genitals clean, smegma isn’t usually a problem. However, the buildup of smegma can be a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to skin irritation and other complications we’ll discuss later.

The main cause of smegma buildup is poor hygiene.

When the foreskin is not pulled back during washing, smegma can become trapped and accumulate over time in men. Similarly, women who fail to clean their vulva and clitoris properly can experience smegma buildup.

Smegma is not an STI. It can’t be transferred from one person to another through unprotected sex or skin-to-skin contact.

However, if smegma buildup leads to a fungal or bacterial infection, you might pass the infection to someone else.

Risk factors for smegma include:

• Having an uncircumcised penis (although circumcised men are not immune)

• Having tight foreskin that isn’t retractable (phimosis)

• Not cleaning your genitals regularly

An accumulation of smegma can become a source of infection and cause unpleasant side effects. One study of the microbiology of smegma in young boys found 31 bacteria, including E. coli Staphylococcus, and fungus. Another study found the presence of yeast in the smegma of uncircumcised boys.

When bacteria builds up, smegma may cause problems like:

• Balanitis. Balanitis is a medical condition where the head of the penis becomes inflamed.

• Yeast infections. Yeast, like candida, can cause burning and itching in people.

• Smegma pearls or cysts. These nodules form when entrapped smegma hardens to form a lump.

• Penile and clitoral adhesions. Smegma buildup can also cause the foreskin to stick to the glans and the clitoral hood to stick to the clitoris, which can be painful.

Does Smegma Affect Sexual Health?

Smegma doesn’t directly cause erectile dysfunction (ED) or any other sexual dysfunctions. However, if smegma buildup makes it difficult to retract the foreskin, you may feel some pain while erect.

The inflammation and irritation associated with balanitis and other infections can also make sex uncomfortable.

Lastly, you may feel self-conscious about having smegma and avoid sex. But you don’t have to! Remember, smegma is normal, and everybody gets it — even women. It isn’t contagious, and it only smells when you let it sit for too long. So give your penis a proper clean, and carry on.

The best way to get rid of smegma is to practice good personal hygiene. Here are the dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning male smegma.

DO:

• Gently pull back your foreskin. You may find it difficult to retract your foreskin if your smegma has hardened. A little bit of coconut oil can help loosen it.

• Use mild soap (like soap for “sensitive skin” or “hypoallergenic”) to wash beneath your foreskin.

• Rinse and pat dry.

• Pull your foreskin back over the tip of your penis, and make a mental note to make this a daily practice.

• Seek medical advice if your smegma isn’t improving.

DON’T:

• Force your foreskin to retract if it’s sticking (due to hardened smegma). This can cause bleeding and potentially an infection.

• Scrub your penis.

• Pull your foreskin back while your penis is still wet.

You don’t have to schedule a circumcision to prevent smegma buildup (phew!). You just have to practice good personal hygiene and call a healthcare provider if it’s starting to cause problems.

Here are a few tips to prevent smegma from building up:

• Wash your genitalia daily and don’t forget to pull your foreskin back to wash underneath.

• Always rinse off after sweat-inducing activity like a workout or hike.

• Keep your genitals cool and dry.

• Avoid using harsh soaps or lotions.

• Wear clean underwear.

You may not talk about smegma on a first date, but it’s a normal part of life. You don’t have to be embarrassed or think something’s wrong with your junk if you have it. Remember:

• Everyone gets smegma. Both men and women get smegma. Though uncircumcised men are more prone to noticeable smegma buildup, circumcised men can also get it.

• Smegma is normal. This secretion functions as a natural lubricant. It only becomes noticeable when it builds up and forms a whitish, cheese-like substance of oils, sweat, and dead skin cells.

• Smegma buildup may lead to side effects. Beyond a foul odor, smegma buildup due to poor hygiene can be a breeding ground for infection. It can put you at risk for fungus, bacteria, and conditions like balanitis or adhesions.

• The best way to get rid of smegma is to practice good hygiene. Wash your genitals daily, including beneath the foreskin, and pat dry. Don’t use harsh products or scrub too hard.

Want more tips on how to take care of your genitals? Check out these 13 Tips for Keeping Your Penis Healthy.