So, let's talk smegma.

[this-parachute.livejournal.com]

I know that dictionary.com defines smegma as "A sebaceous secretion, especially the cheesy secretion that collects under the prepuce or around the clitoris."

But what does that actually mean? What does this stuff actually CONSIST of, what is it MADE of, how can one make it go away??? I've never had a problem with it until very recently, and let me tell you, it makes unpremeditated "relations" a little difficult.

Comments

[atdelphi.livejournal.com]

Smegma is just what occurs when your lubricating secretions dry and thicken. To get rid of it, all you have to do is gently wipe on a regular basis with a soft washcloth (try the kind made for babies and small children) and some lukewarm water. If it's collecting around your clitoris, just draw back the clitoral hood to wipe. Another thing that could help is to wear cotton underwear, avoid very tight pants, and sleep without underwear if you can - if smegma isn't a chronic problem, letting your vulva "breathe" can keep it from building up as much.

[mrar.livejournal.com]

A quick wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smegma) search reveals that smegma is "a combination of exfoliated (shed) epithelial cells, transudated skin oils, moisture, and can accumulate under the foreskin of males and within the vulva of females" that is used to lubricate and clean the genitals. If you're getting enough that you get the "cheesy" effect, rinsing your vulva with warm water can usually help solve the problem. What do you usually use to wash that area? Soap should not be used, as this can negatively effect the pH of the area.

[auraesque.livejournal.com]

Gentle, unscented soap, like baby wash, is fine to use on the vulva--and sometimes necessary with stubborn smegma. It's using soap internally that can mess up your pH. :)

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

This may be a personal thing. While some people seem to be able to use soap on their own vulvae, I know it's far from fine to use on my own. ;) I've never found it necessary, but I have found it likely to irritate some very sensitive skin and trigger YIs.

[auraesque.livejournal.com]

Good point. On the other end of the spectrum, I have a girlfriend who uses the most flowery smelling soaps on her girlbits and has never had any issues. But it is an option to explore if warm water isn't enough, and for some women, it isn't.

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. If your (general you) routine isn't working, for whatever reason, then it's definitely worth looking into switching. On the other hand, if everything's going well, then it's safe to assume you're doing something that works for you. :)

[kaelstra.livejournal.com]

It's basically vaginal discharge and dead skin cells, and there is no way to permanently get rid of it. It happens all the time, to both men and women, and even to other parts of the body.

Just make a point of actually cleaning around your clitoris and inside the folds of the vulva and you should be fine. (Some people don't actually get into the nitty gritty parts and it can build up)

[betterbebalboa.livejournal.com]

You can just wipe out your vulva with a wet washcloth or a baby wipe a couple of times a day. That should take care of it. You can clean your vulva more often than you shower, just to make sure it doesn't build up.

[shellyday.livejournal.com]

i have a very specific vag washing routine. i usually gently scrape away the smegma from my labia w. my fingernail, rinse away w/ warm water and then wash with dr bronners castile soap. i generally shower every other day and i notice it there when i do. if i shower daily it is minimal.
totally normal though.

[shellyday.livejournal.com]

that's funny. it's strange to think how we develop these routines. when my mom taught me to bathe (not that i can even remember) this was definitely not what she said to do!

[rose4thedead.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I find washing myself after each time I go to the washroom very helpful with keeping smegma off.

[polly-purebred.livejournal.com]

After a shower, I will sit on the bed with a hand mirror and a few q-tips to get rid of the stuff. The only problem is when my dog wants to know what I'm doing and tries to stick his nose where it doesn't belong. o_O