Smegma is a white substance containing oil and dead skin cells. It is a secretion around your genitals that accumulates when you don’t maintain proper hygiene. Smegma is not a kind of STI or a serious condition.
If not taken care of, smegma can generate an odour or, in some cases, stiffen and cause irritation and itchiness in the genitals.
So, does masturbation too much create smegma?
Not cleaning and washing up properly after you masturbate can generate a thick, white substance called Smegma to gather around the head of your penis. Following healthy hygiene practices is the solution to controlling the buildup of smegma in males.
Introduction
Maintaining healthy hygiene habits is important for good health, especially when it comes to the genitals. Smegma is mainly seen in uncircumcised men and can cause a bad odour and infection. Therefore, washing the penis is essential to stop smegma buildup and facilitate genital health. In this article, you will get answers to “Does masturbating too much create smegma” and also learn about “How long does it take for smegma to go away.”
This accumulation is more expected on uncircumcised penises as it builds around the head of the penis.
In addition to a bad odour, smegma can:
- cause redness
- prevent the foreskin from moving
- bacterial infections
What is Smegma?
Smegma is a stale, white substance that gathers around your genitals. It’s normal to have a small amount of smegma. It is not considered a disease or disorder, but it can cause bacteria to grow in it, making it smell bad. Keeping your genitals clean is the best solution.
Small glands called sebaceous glands in the genitals release smegma in order to lubricate these areas. It’s made of a mixture of fatty oils, shed skin cells, and moisture.
It’s observed mainly in uncircumcised men who don’t take hygiene seriously after excessive masturbation. It is common for women to see smegma in their vaginal area as well.
Usually, smegma is not generated until after puberty, as it occurs once your body matures and produces more oils.
Smegma on penis
Bacteria that increase in smegma can make the head of your penis bulge up and hurt.
Smegma and foreskin
In uncircumcised men, the foreskin (skin that surrounds the head of your penis) can entrap oils, skin cells, and other fluids, causing Smegma to build up.
Smegma on vagina
Smegma accumulates in the folds of skin around the urethra and vagina and near the clitoris.
Does Masturbating Too Much Create Smegma?
Masturbating excessively can cause your penis to become red and swollen. If you masturbate a lot in a short time your penis can swell up due to the fluid in the tissue.
Smegma is produced by the mixture of sebum, fibres and dead skin cells that collect through the day. It’s widespread for all individuals to contain some amount of sebum. A good wash is all you need to maintain hygiene.
Smegma builds as skin cells are naturally shed. The cells then combine with sweat produced by apocrine glands and skin oils generated by sebaceous glands. This mixture becomes whitish as tissues rub against each other, including air into the mass. But does masturbating too much create smegma? While it is not a direct cause of smegma, there are some possible causes related to masturbation.
Poor hygiene is one of the most typical causes of smegma formation. When the genital area is not washed regularly, dead skin cells, oils, and sweat can collect and combine with bacteria, leading to the appearance of smegma.
Excessive sweating can also cause Smegma buildup. When sweat combines with dead skin cells and oils, it can form a facilitative environment for the development of bacteria that cause Smegma.
How is Smegma Produced?
In females, apocrine and sebaceous glands are located in the external genitals called the vulva. These fluids shift from the outer portion of the vulva, including the labia majora, to the inner portion containing the labia minora and clitoris.
In males, apocrine glands are seen under the foreskin along with a unique type of sebaceous gland, called Tyson’s glands, found under the rim of the penis head.
While circumcision can greatly decrease smegma production, it doesn’t stop it completely.
The production of smegma, while lesser in childhood, increases from youth through sexual maturity, providing natural lubrication that helps with sexual intercourse. From middle age onward, production reduces until virtually no smegma is produced in older adults.
How to Get Rid of Smegma?
Treat Smegma in Males
Your body creates a lubricant to enable the foreskin to rescind. That lubricant can be produced under your foreskin along with other skin oils, dead cells, dirt, and bacteria. That’s why this condition is less familiar in circumcised males.
Properly washing your penis is the easiest way to get rid of smegma.
- Gently pull back your foreskin but don’t force it, as that can cause pain and rip the skin, which could lead to bacterial infections.
- Use a gentle soap and warm water to cleanse the area that’s usually covered by your foreskin. Avoid rough scrubbing, as that can upset the sensitive skin. If the smegma has solidified, gently rubbing oil on the area before washing it may help ease up the accumulation.
- Thoroughly rinse off the soap and then gently pat the area dry.
- Pull your foreskin back.
- Repeat this every day until the smegma disappears.
Treat Smegma in Females
Smegma can occur in females as well and may be the cause of vaginal odour. It can accumulate in the folds of the labia or around the clitoral hood.
Similar to men, the simplest way to get rid of smegma from the female genitals is through proper personal hygiene.
- Gently pull back the vaginal folds.
- Use warm water and, if needed, a mild soap, to clean the folds. Avoid getting soap inside the vaginal opening.
- Thoroughly wash the area.
- Gently pat the area dry.
Smegma can be averted through good personal hygiene.
Clean your genitals every day, and avoid using harsh soaps or products in your sensitive area. In females, that includes avoiding vaginal rinses which can lead to vaginal infections and other health concerns.
If you regularly have extra smegma accumulation despite maintaining hygiene, or if you see other changes to your genitals, including swelling, pain, or abnormal vaginal discharge, it is best to seek a doctor’s help. How long does it take for Smegma to go away?
If you wash your genitals on a regular basis, smegma usually goes away after a few days.
When to see a doctor
A person should consult a doctor if any of the following symptoms accompany smegma:
- uncommon discharge
- pain or burning sensation during urination
- increased need to urinate
- irritation and redness on the outside of the penis
FAQs on Does Masturbation Cause Smegma
1] Why do I produce so much smegma?
Ans. The fluids in the smegma are a natural secretion by your body that helps lubricate your genitals and keep the skin from feeling itchy. If not washed away regularly, they can start to accumulate and hence can increase the risk of developing an infection.
2] Is smegma produced daily?
Ans. Generating smegma doesn’t mean you have a sexually transmitted infection or disease. Instead, smegma for both men and women is influenced by personal hygiene. The fluids in smegma are discharged naturally by your body every day. They help lubricate your genitals and keep the skin from feeling dry
