A man in Taichung, Taiwan, rushed to urologist Dr. Chen Zhaoan after experiencing genital pain in the shower and noticing hardened debris falling into the drain. Believing it was kidney stones, he sought immediate help.
Upon examination, Dr. Chen retracted the man’s foreskin and discovered a thick buildup of smegma—yellow-brown, calcified layers of dead skin, oil, and dirt. As the hardened grime crumbled away, a strong, unpleasant odor filled the clinic.
Dr. Chen, director of the Zhaoan Urology Clinic, said the accumulation appeared to have developed over 30 years. He noted that the man had not been sexually active during that time and likely never cleaned beneath his foreskin. “It had a strong odor and crumbled like stone,” Dr. Chen explained. “His partner might have discovered this ‘treasure’ before us, had there been one.”
The man reportedly had a long foreskin and was unaware that it could be retracted for proper cleaning. Dr. Chen emphasized the importance of hygiene, especially for uncircumcised men. “Many don’t know that the glans can and should be cleaned. If something seems wrong or unclear, consult a specialist,” he advised.
He also recommended that men wash their genitals daily using water and a small amount of mild soap, making sure to gently retract the foreskin to clean the area properly.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of basic hygiene and regular medical check-ups to prevent serious complications.
