For men with phimosis, the penis tends to accumulate dirt and emit an unpleasant odor. But why does this happen? In this article, we delve into the issue of "the smelly penis," a concern that can lead to being shunned by women.
State of Phimosis
In its flaccid state, the penis of a man with phimosis is covered by excess foreskin. The extent of the coverage can vary, ranging from just covering the glans, to partially exposing the urethral opening, or even completely concealing it.
Forced Retraction of Tight Foreskin
As shown in the image below, the white smegma that accumulates on the glans of a man with phimosis is referred to as "shame smegma."
Paste-like Smegma: A Cause of Odor
Shame smegma is considered a "dirty" accumulation specific to areas of the body that can cause embarrassment. It is a type of dirt that rarely forms on men without phimosis, making it characteristic of those who do have the condition. Dirt such as urine, sweat, and bodily oils can accumulate in the groove beneath the glans, becoming trapped by the foreskin. This creates a damp environment, leading to the formation of a white, pasty accumulation. It is easy for this to emit an unpleasant odor, making it a highly undesirable condition for women.
Why Does Smegma Accumulate?
The penis with phimosis is in a state where "the glans is tightly wrapped in a robust layer of skin," leading to a damp environment made worse by being covered in urine. Maintained at body temperature, this creates an ideal level of humidity, comparable to a greenhouse. The aforementioned dirt that accumulates on the glans transforms into a sticky, smelly, pasty accumulation within this "greenhouse" condition. Not only does this cause an unpleasant odor, but it can also lead to inflammation, making it crucial to expose the glans to air and create an environment where smegma cannot form.
Chronic accumulation of smegma is unlikely to improve on its own. While the man himself might think, "It's just dirt, it's fine," for his sexual partner, a woman, it can be a very negative aspect, leading to thoughts like "The smell is unbearable," "I don't want to perform oral sex," or "I don't want the dirt to transfer to my vagina." In other words, managing smegma is also a matter of etiquette.
If a man is hospitalized or requires caregiving and becomes unable to bathe or shower, smegma is sure to accumulate. The smell can even become noticeable through underwear, creating a serious concern for caregivers. A 30-minute phimosis surgery can significantly improve air circulation around the glans, eliminating concerns about smegma.
In addition to aesthetic and functional issues, the ease with which dirt accumulates is another downside of phimosis. Looking ahead to potential hospital stays or the need for caregiving, we recommend phimosis surgery for those who are concerned.
Please have the courage to consult with us.
