In a weird and stomach-churning case that has now gone viral in medical and social circles, a married man in Taiwan surprised doctors after seeking care for what he thought were kidney stones—only to discover a 30-year accumulation of smegma beneath his foreskin.
The unnamed patient had been taking a shower when he felt a severe, painful pain in his genital area. Concerned by what looked to be hardened material falling into the drain, he raced to Zhaoan Urology Clinic in Taichung for an examination.
Dr. Chen Zhaoan, the clinic’s director and a well-known urologist, discovered decades of smegma buildup beneath the man’s foreskin during his examination. The smegma, a foul-smelling, thick, yellow-brown substance made up of dead skin cells, oils, and dirt, had hardened over time into a stone-like mass.
“We believe this had been accumulating for nearly 30 years,” Dr. Chen stated in a statement. “During the washing process, it had solidified to the point that it broke apart like stone and produced a strong odour. “It was unlike anything we’d seen in recent years.”
Dr. Chen remarked that the man had an unusually long foreskin and appeared ignorant that it could be retracted. “No one appears to have ever informed him that the foreskin can and should be pushed back to clean the glans. His genital area had largely been ignored for three decades.”
In a clinical yet surreal action, doctors collected and stored the smegma buildup in specimen jars for educational and research purposes. Photographs of the material, packed in medical gloves and bottles, have subsequently circulated online, eliciting both disgust and alarm.
Dr. Chen commented, “His private parts hadn’t been sexually active in 30 years.” If we hadn’t treated him, his girlfriend might have discovered the concealed ‘treasure’—a situation that could have resulted in major relationship or health problems.”
Though rare, Dr. Chen acknowledged that similar cases of smegma buildup happen at his practice around once every two years. He emphasised that, while smegma is not inherently harmful, long-term neglect can lead to serious problems such as infections, inflammation, and, in extreme circumstances, an increased chance of penile cancer.
This case has sparked a broader discussion regarding male cleanliness, particularly among uncircumcised men. Dr. Chen made a public plea: “Men should clean their penis and foreskin regularly with warm water and mild soap. It’s a simple regimen that can help you avoid uncomfortable and unsightly health complications.”
He also stated that Taiwan’s medical infrastructure is well-equipped to handle even the most delicate health enquiries and urged men to seek treatment if they see anything unexpected. “There is a wealth of easily accessible health information available today—in schools, online, and at clinics. There is no justification to let something like this to continue unchallenged for so long.”
The now-famous smegma specimen is kept sealed in Dr. Chen’s office as a medical curiosity and a sobering reminder of what may happen when personal hygiene is neglected. The incident emphasises the significance of education, knowledge, and open discourse about intimate health—subjects that, while uncomfortable for some, can save lives.
Hygiene is more than just beauty; it is about health, comfort, and dignity. If you’re not sure how to properly care for your body, don’t be hesitant to enquire. Silence can be much more hazardous than humiliation.
