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Revision as of 13:45, 5 November 2008 by 193.164.126.35 (talk) (→Males)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)- This article is about smegma, a secretion of mammalian genitals. See Vernix caseosa for the substance that covers the skin of a baby at birth. See Smegma (band) for the experimental noise band.
Smegma, from the Greek smēchein (to clean), is a combination of exfoliated (shed) epithelial cells, transudated skin oils, and moisture. In males, smegma helps keep the glans moist and facilitates sexual intercourse by acting as a lubricant.
Human smegma
Both males and females produce smegma. In males, smegma is produced and accumulates under the foreskin; in females, it collects around the clitoris and in the folds of the labia minora.
josh woods enjoys smegg and crackers
Females
Glands that are located around the clitoris and the vulva secrete sebum. The accumulation of sebum combined with dead skin cells forms smegma.
In both sexes, preventing accumulation is best done by rinsing the area with warm water. In females, the hood of the clitoris can be gently pulled back to wash away accumulated smegma. Some argue that soap is best avoided because it depletes natural skin oils and may cause non-specific dermatitis.
Non-human smegma
In healthy animals, smegma helps clean and lubricate the genitals. In veterinary medicine, analysis of this smegma is sometimes used for detection of urogenital tract pathogens, such as Tritrichomonas foetus. Accumulation of smegma in the equine preputial folds and the urethral fossa and urethral diverticulum can promote the carriage of Taylorella equigenitalis, the causative agent of contagious equine metritis. Some veterinarians have recommended periodic cleaning of male genitals to improve the health of the animal.
References
- "Websters dictionary definition for smegma". Mirriam-Webster. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
- Wright, Joyce (1970). "How smegma serves the penis: Nature's assurance that the uncircumcised glans penis will function smoothly is provided by smegma". Sexology (New York). 37 (2): 50–53.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - Van Howe, RS (2006). "The carcinogenicity of smegma: debunking a myth". Journal of the European academy of dermatology and venereology. 20 (9): 1046–1054. PMID 16987256.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - Fleiss, P.M. (1998). "Immunological functions of the human prepuce" (PDF). Sexually transmitted infections. 74 (5): 364–367. PMID 10195034.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - Birley: Management of Recurrent Balanitis
- Chen, X.G. (2001). "Increasing the sensitivity of PCR detection in bovine preputial smegma spiked with Tritrichomonas foetus by the addition of agar and resin". Parasitol Res. 87 (7): 556–558. PMID 11484853.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Primary Industries Ministerial Council of Australia and New Zealand (2002). Disease strategy: Contagious equine metritis (Version 1.0). In: Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN), Edition 3, PIMCANZ, Canberra, ACT.
- Michael Lowder (September 1, 2001). "A Clean Sheath Is A Healthy Sheath". Horse City. Retrieved on September 4, 2008.