Smeg head
Question
I've got a white substance under my foreskin, can you tell me what it is? How do I get rid of it? I'm also getting some pain after I ejaculate, could this be connected?
Answer
It sounds like what you're describing is smegma, a white substance produced by the penis glands that appears under the foreskin. Smegma is perfectly natural but it's important to make sure you wash thoroughly on a daily basis because, if it's left to build up, it can cause problems, like an infection. You should clean under the foreskin (by fully pulling the foreskin back), using unperfumed soap, and make sure you dry yourself properly afterwards.
It could be the pain you describe is due to an infection caused by a build up of smegma - a condition known as balanitis. But it's impossible to diagnose over the internet, so you should consider seeing your local doctor (GP) about this.
If you feel embarrassed about talking to your doctor, try to remember doctors examine penises every day and understand that men often feel uneasy about it.
Of course, if you don't wish to see your regular doctor about this, you could see someone at a specialist sexual health clinic. The services they offer are completely confidential and you don't even have to give your real name (but make sure you use the same name every time you visit).
Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.
