A man in Taiwan got more than he bargained for during a visit to the urologist when doctors discovered a shocking buildup of smegma that had been accumulating beneath his foreskin for 30 years. The patient, who had been married for years, sought medical help after experiencing sudden pain and noticing strange flakes in the shower.
Dr. Chen Zhaoan, the urologist who treated him, was stunned to find a thick, hardened layer of smegma that had gone uncleaned for decades. The patient, unaware that his foreskin needed to be retracted for cleaning, had never addressed the issue. The buildup was so severe that it had calcified, requiring careful removal by medical professionals.
The case, while extreme, highlights a common but often overlooked hygiene issue. Smegma is a natural secretion, but without proper cleaning, it can lead to infections and discomfort. Dr. Chen noted that many men may not realize the importance of cleaning beneath the foreskin, especially if they were never taught proper hygiene practices.
After the procedure, images of the extracted material circulated online, drawing reactions of disbelief and sparking discussions about male hygiene education. Dr. Chen used the opportunity to remind men that regular cleaning is essential—and that there’s no shame in asking a doctor for advice.
The story serves as a reminder that even the most basic self-care habits can have a major impact on long-term health.
