In a weird and stomach-churning case that has now gone viral in medical and social circles, a married man in Taiwan startled doctors by seeking care for what he thought were kidney stones—only to discover a 30-year accumulation of smegma beneath his foreskin.
The patient, who has not been named, was taking a shower when he felt a strong, painful ache in his genital area. Disturbed by what looked to be hardened debris falling into the drain, he went to Taichung’s Zhaoan Urology Clinic for an evaluation.
Dr. Chen Zhaoan, the clinic’s director and a recognised 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 calcified over time into a hardened, stone-like mass.
“We believe this had been accumulating for nearly 30 years,” Dr. Chen stated. “It had solidified to the point where it broke apart like stone and emitted a strong odour when being cleaned. “It was unlike anything we had seen in recent years.”
Dr. Chen noticed that the man’s foreskin was unusually lengthy and appeared ignorant that it could be retracted. “No one appears to have ever told him that the foreskin can and should be retracted to clean the glans. His genital area had been largely neglected for three decades.”
In a clinical but surreal gesture, doctors collected the smegma buildup and preserved it in specimen jars for educational and research purposes. Photographs of the material, which was sealed in medical gloves and bottles, have subsequently circulated online, eliciting equal parts disgust and worry.
Dr. Chen stated, “His private parts hadn’t been sexually active in 30 years.” If we hadn’t treated him, his girlfriend might have discovered this hidden ‘treasure’—a situation that could have resulted in major marital or health problems.”
Though uncommon, Dr. Chen verified that similar cases of smegma buildup occur at his clinic, usually once every two years. He emphasised that, while smegma is not inherently harmful, long-term neglect can result in serious problems such as infections, inflammation, and, in extreme circumstances, an increased risk of penile cancer.
This case has sparked a broader discourse regarding male cleanliness, particularly among uncircumcised men. Dr. Chen made a public plea: “Men should clean their penis and foreskin every day with warm water and mild soap. It’s a simple regimen that can help you avoid painful and unsightly health problems.
He also stated that Taiwan’s medical infrastructure is well-equipped to handle even the most sensitive health enquiries and advised men to seek assistance if they see anything unexpected. “There is a wealth of accessible health information available today—in schools, online, and in clinics. There’s no excuse to let something like this uncontrolled for so long.”
The now-famous smegma specimen is kept sealed in Dr. Chen’s office as both a medical oddity and a sobering reminder of what may happen when personal hygiene is neglected. The incident emphasises the significance of education, knowledge, and open communication about intimate health—topics that, while uncomfortable for some, can ultimately save lives.
Hygiene is more than just appearances; it’s about health, comfort, and dignity. If you’re unclear about how to properly care for your body, don’t be hesitant to ask. Silence can be even more damaging than embarrassment.