Smegma,substance of the genital glands

The term smegma means in the Greek language "soap". Medically so that the sebaceous white to yellowish white substance is called the genital glands. The smegma consists of the substance of these genital glands and is mixed with dead skin cells and residue from urine and - for men - sperm.


smegma prepuce
The smegma of man is concrete and the prepuce called smegma accumulates between the inner foreskin and the glans.


smegma clitoris
When the woman's clitoris smegma is found in the skin folds between the outer and inner labia and clitoris.


Smegma in poor genital hygiene
Smegma from a lack of genital hygiene lead to visible deposits. Because of bacterial colonization, it is then often an intense odor. The bacterial colonization and the degradation products of bacteria may increase the risk for infections and chronic inflammatory processes. Although the smegma itself is not carcinogenic, is a statistical correlation could be established: men with years of inadequate genital hygiene are at increased risk for developing penile cancer.


Circumcision does not replace the cleaning
The cleaning of the penis in the retracted foreskin is important. Often to facilitate a circumcision is performed. This replaces, but in no case sufficient genital hygiene.