A routine genital exam turned into a medical spectacle when Taiwanese urologists discovered a three-decade accumulation of smegma in a married patient. The man had sought treatment after experiencing sudden penile pain and noticing strange yellow flakes in his shower.
Dr. Chen Zhaoan, who treated the case, described the findings as extraordinary. “The buildup had formed thick, hardened layers resembling tree bark,” he said. “It was clear this patient had never properly cleaned under his foreskin.”
The case has drawn attention to gaps in male health education. The patient, now in his 50s, had apparently gone through life unaware that foreskins require regular retraction and cleaning. Medical staff theorize his long-term celibacy may have contributed to the situation going unnoticed for so long.
While doctors successfully removed all the accumulated material, they emphasized this wasn’t just about one extreme case. “Many men don’t receive proper hygiene education,” Dr. Chen noted. “We need to normalize these conversations to prevent health complications.”
The incident has prompted online discussions about basic male grooming habits, with many expressing shock that such severe neglect could occur. Health professionals hope the attention will encourage more men to prioritize their genital health.
