What are the potential harms of smegma?

Smegma poses certain health risks to men, primarily manifested in the following aspects: 1. Causing genital infections: Accumulation of smegma may lead to urinary tract infections, including dermatitis and balanitis. In severe cases, it may spread along the reproductive tract, causing prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, and epididymitis. 2. Inducing penile cancer: Long-term accumulation of smegma may trigger malignant tumors such as penile carcinoma, penile horn, and penile papilloma, which are prone to progress into penile cancer. 3. Sexual dysfunction: Smegma adhering to the junction between the glans and foreskin may restrict penile erection, increase friction, cause pain and difficulty during intercourse, reduce sensitivity, and thereby impair sexual function. 4. Impact on female health: Bacteria present in smegma may enter the female vagina during sexual intercourse, leading to gynecological conditions such as vaginitis and cervical ectropion.