The official Tumblr for the Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health!Word Of The Day: smegma
You may know smegma by its less-than-flattering colloquial name: “dick cheese” (due to its white, cheese-like texture). But did you know: not only is smegma significantly more harmless than the bad rap it’s acquired, it’s also not unique to penis-owners. Smegma, a thick buildup of exfoliated skin cells and the secretion of sebaceous glands, occurs both between the glans penis and the foreskin, and around the clitoris for those who possess them. Although typically thought of as a sign of “dirty” genitals, smegma is in fact a clean substance with moisturizing properties, and can act as a natural lubricant - particularly for penis-owers. It’s been described as “analogous to tears”, as its part-waxy, part-mucousy consistency helps prevent irritation of the glans and acts as a protective coating. It’s also what allows the foreskin of the penis, or the clitoral hood of the vulva, to slide easily over the glans without dragging and making you feel uncomfortable during sexual activity.
Although smegma is a non-harmful and necessary secretion, you do want to make sure you are still cleaning your genitals regularly to prevent a large build-up of smegma: accumulated smegma that remains on the genitals for too long can dry out and become hard, causing irritations and having the opposite effect of a lubricant. It can also produce a strong smell which some people find unpleasant. Your body will keep on making smegma though, so never fear: whatever you wash away, your body will replace naturally.
Just know that the presence of smegma alone doesn’t mean you’re dirty - it’s just a natural emission that makes sure you’re feeling your best when you do want to get down and dirty ;)
Source: http://www.foreskin.org/smegma.htm, http://voices.yahoo.com/smegma-women-too-663490.html
