What is Smegma?
[[File:Balanitis caused by smegma.jpg|thumb|Smegma under the foreskin.]] [[File:Female Smegma.jpg|thumb|Smegma near the [[vulva]]]] '''Smegma''' is a substance that forms in the [[sex organ]]s of [[mammal]]s. It is made of [[epithelium|epithelial cells]], [[skin]] cells, and [[moisture]]. It is found around the [[foreskin]] of the [[penis]] in males, or in the folds of skin around the [[vulva]] in females. In males, the smegma acts like a [[lubricant]] which makes [[sexual intercourse]] easier.<ref name=wright>{{cite web |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/normal/wright1/ |title=How Smegma Serves the Penis |first=J. |last=Wright |work=cirp.org |year=1970 |accessdate=23 December 2014 |archive-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510025934/http://www.cirp.org/library/normal/wright1/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It can be white through to yellow in colour.<ref name=wright/> Smegma does not cause any harm, and normal washing will keep it under control; in fact too much washing may cause other problems.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Clinical features and management of recurrent balanitis; association with atopy and genital washing |first=H. |last=Birley |journal=PDF.js |year=1993 |volume=69 |issue=5 |pages=400–403 |doi=10.1136/sti.69.5.400 |pmid=8244363 |pmc=1195128 }}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:Exocrine system]] {{biology-stub}}