You might notice a whitish substance collecting beneath the clitoral hood or in the folds of the labia and wonder if it is normal. This substance is called smegma, and it forms in the folds of penises and vaginas. Female smegma is made up of dead skin cells, natural oils and moisture1.
Smegma in women is normal and protective in small amounts, but when it builds up, it can sometimes cause irritation, odour, or be mistaken for infection. Understanding the causes of smegma buildup, how to gently clean it, and when to seek help can make a big difference in comfort and confidence.
This article explains everything you need to know about female smegma — what it is, why it happens, how to remove it safely, and importantly, how to tell the difference between smegma and infections such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
Everything you need to know about female smegma
The role of female smegma is to help protect the delicate clitoral tissues and keep them lubricated as they move against and with nearby surfaces without friction.
The amount of smegma you produce is personal and varies with your overall health and habits, but cleaning can be tricky since smegma is thick and oily and doesn’t always rinse off easily with soap and water.
Smegma women experience is less often talked about than smegma in men, which can lead to unnecessary concern. Many women assume this white substance indicates poor hygiene, but it is simply a normal by-product of skin and gland activity.
(Smegma is the yucky name given to what would normally be affectionately known as ‘dick cheese’. I know. We’re sorry. You get it, too.)
When smegma builds up, it gets smelly, though it doesn’t tend to lead to vaginal infections. Generally, it’s just a bit gross if it’s left there too long and builds up, and in some cases, it can cause further issues. Smegma is found in all mammals.
Clitoral smegma causes, risks and hygiene tips
Clitoral smegma tends to collect beneath the clitoral hood. It often looks whitish or yellow and pasty in texture. In small amounts, this is completely normal.
Smegma is thought to be produced by sebaceous glands in the vulva. However, a old discussion on male smegma considered it could be produced by the mucosa of the foreskin (akin to the mucosa of the clitoral hood) and is produced as “living cells constantly grow towards the surface, undergo fatty degeneration, separate off, and form smegma”.
Why smegma builds up
- Less frequent washing or difficulty retracting the clitoral hood to clean
- Natural variation in hood shape or size
- The presence of clitoral adhesions2
- Hormonal changes that affect cell turnover and oil production
- Tight clothing or friction increases the shedding of cells in the area
If smegma under the clitoral hood tissue accumulates, it may trap bacteria, causing odour or irritation. Smegma-related discharge in females is usually just the smegma softening and releasing itself naturally. If there is persistent swelling, pain or odour, see a doctor, as this isn’t normal.
Read more in our article where problematic clitoral smegma buildup is explained.
How to find smegma
You’d think that regular washing would eliminate smegma, and usually, it does, but not always. You will soon discover where your blind spots are in cleaning your vulva by gently pulling your labia apart and drawing back your clitoral hood. Be gentle!
Even after showering, you may find a little parcel of thick white substance tucked into the crevices. This is smegma.
How to gently clean smegma under the clitoral hood
The safest way to manage smegma is through gentle, regular cleaning. Learning how to clean smegma under the clitoral hood is important for comfort and health.
Cleaning checklist
- Rinse the vulva daily with warm water and a soft washcloth or just your fingers
- Gently retract the clitoral hood if comfortable
- Do not use harsh, drying soaps, fragrances or scrubbing
- Use a damp cotton pad or soft washcloth for stubborn buildup
- Pat dry rather than rubbing
- Avoid douching or internal washes
- Sit with a mirror and find the secret little hidey holes that you may miss in the shower
If the clitoral hood does not retract easily, do not force it. See a doctor if cleaning is painful or difficult, as you may need a little more help and instruction.
Removing smegma from between the labia and around the clitoris
Usually, smegma is removed during normal bathing and towel-drying. However, it’s important to check yourself – you don’t want any nasty, smelly surprises for yourself or your lovers or to encourage bacterial overgrowth.
Experts recommend gently wiping the smegma away with a dry towel after washing the labia. You can also find your ‘trouble spots’ where smegma typically accumulates amongst your vulval folds and remove it gently with your hands in the bath or shower.
You’ll notice that this thick white stuff doesn’t budge as easily as you might want, so use a soft wet or dry washcloth (not soap, it won’t work) to remove it manually.
It’s important not to hurt yourself doing this, so be gentle and take good care of your delicate vulva. Rips are easy when pulling the labia apart to get into crevices, particularly the joins where the clitoral hood meets the labia.
Hygiene mistakes to avoid
When we get worried about smell or discharge, it’s natural to try to over-clean the vulva to remove the problem. This can cause more harm than good, so clean delicate areas very gently and with comfortable pressure.
- Scented soaps and wipes can irritate delicate skin and disrupt the vaginal microbiome
- Scrubbing or vigorous cleaning of the clitoral area may cause micro-tears, leading to stinging and discomfort
- Douching can upset the natural microbiome and increase the risk of flora imbalances
- Over-washing can dry out skin, making irritation more likely
The vulva and clitoris are self-protecting. Gentle rinsing with warm water is all that is needed for most people. If odour or irritation continues after proper hygiene, see a doctor.
Understanding female smegma buildup
The causes of smegma in women can be varied. Some people naturally produce more oils, while others have skin folds that trap debris more easily. Hormonal changes can also play a role.
The main question many people have is whether they are seeing smegma or discharge from a yeast infection. Yeast infections cause redness, itching and a thicker discharge from the vagina, while smegma is a residue of skin cells and oil without inflammation, on the vulva (dry bit).
Preventing smegma buildup
Thick white smegma is normal, so don’t concern yourself with the whys and what fors – you can’t prevent smegma from developing – but remember that some elements may cause more smegma build-up than others.
For example, at the My Vagina clinic, we’ve noticed that when things aren’t going so well vaginally or on the vulva, more smegma is produced, likely as a protective process and due to increased inflammation and shedding of cells. This does not mean there’s something wrong if you are producing a lot of smegma, but we do notice it ebbs and flows in our patients with vagina issues.
See more about the causes of smegma in women.
Clitoral smegma care and prevention guide
Clitoral hood care for removing smegma is straightforward: wash gently, avoid harsh products, and avoid scraping. Safe ways to remove smegma include rinsing in the shower or using a damp pad if needed.
If irritation or odour persists, see a doctor to rule out infection or other causes.
There are safe ways to remove smegma, so always be gentle and seek help if you’re not sure or it hurts.
The microbiology of female smegma
Research into the microbiology of female smegma is limited. One older study in boys found that smegma contains bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species3. The smegma in the vulva has not been studied.
Smegma is not an infection in itself. Instead, it may provide a moist environment that allows bacteria to multiply if left uncleaned. Gentle washing helps keep the vulval microbiome balanced and healthy.
The vulvar smegma microbiome (and lack of research)
There are no studies on the microbial makeup of smegma in vulvas, but there is one research study in uncircumcised young boys using culture5.
Until someone does this research on the vulva, what it tells us is that smegma definitely has microbial populations, but it can also serve as a warning to always use condoms with new penises!
- 31 bacteria were isolated from the male smegma (15 gram-positive, 16 gram-negative)
- The most common bacteria isolated from the boys’ smegma were Escherichia coli (26%), Enterococcus faecalis (19%) and Enterococcus avium (13%)
- Most of the species found were multi-drug resistant (61%)
- Smegma may be a cause of urinary tract infections in young boys
To reiterate, these microbial findings were in young boys aged around 2-3 years and not in girls, adult women, or vulvas.
Myths and misconceptions about smegma in women
Historically, smegma was incorrectly linked to cancer risk. Early reports speculated that smegma might be carcinogenic, but later studies found no evidence for this4. Smegma itself is not a cancer-causing substance.
Another myth is that smegma means a person is unclean. In reality, smegma formation is a natural process that occurs in everyone to varying degrees, and its levels can fluctuate with other factors.
Female smegma through different life stages
Smegma production changes at different times of life.
- Puberty — hormones increase skin turnover and oil production, making smegma more noticeable
- Pregnancy — increased discharge and swelling can lead to more buildup
- Menopause — lower estrogen thins the skin and may change smegma production; some women notice more irritation if it is not cleaned
These changes are normal. Adjusting hygiene routines gently to life stage can help manage smegma more comfortably.
Teaching young girls how to check for vulvar smegma
When teaching your girls how to care for their vulva, teaching them about smegma is useful since later they will know to check for it.
Many people have no idea what the crevices of their vulva hold, and while it typically doesn’t matter at all, we should know about smegma, and teach our girls, so they know it needs to be cleaned regularly. If you are caring for a young girl, ask your paediatrician how to carefully remove smegma.
Smegma in babies and young children
Smegma is a protective emollient that can occur more frequently in babies. If smegma occurs in excess in a baby, see your paediatrician for more information on causes and cleaning.
Smegma and labial and clitoral adhesions
Vulval smegma may protect from labial and clitoral adhesions by providing an oily barrier between surfaces so skin can move freely.
However, when there is a closed compartment of the clitoral structures and hood and labial tissues, smegma may build up and contribute to adhesions if smegma can’t escape3.
The smegma and cells accumulate, resulting in smegmatic pseudocysts, keratin pearls, or both. This build-up of cells can form concentrated layers and result in masses that can be several millimetres across, which create irritation, swelling and possibly infection.
The issue is very uncomfortable, with the feeling of having sand in your eye, a ‘persistent foreign body sensation’, and can result in vulval or clitoral hypersensitivity, clitorodynia sexual pain disorder4, and even persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).
Cultural and historical views on smegma
Smegma has been the subject of misunderstanding for centuries. In some cultures, it has been wrongly viewed as unclean or shameful. In early Western medical writing, smegma was sometimes described as dangerous, even though no evidence supported those claims.
Women’s smegma has also been overlooked in research, with most studies focused on men. This lack of information has led to gaps in knowledge for both patients and clinicians. By talking openly about female smegma today, we can break down stigma and provide accurate, reassuring information.
Conditions linked with smegma buildup
Excessive smegma under clitoral hood tissue can sometimes be associated with:
- Clitoral adhesions — the hood sticks to the clitoris, trapping smegma
- Keratin pearls or smegmatic pseudocysts — small nodules formed by trapped cells
- Vulval dermatoses — conditions such as lichen sclerosus or eczema, which can complicate cleaning and increase irritation
Small studies show that releasing adhesions or removing keratin pearls can improve symptoms and sexual comfort5.
Real-life examples
A woman in her twenties noticed white clumps under her clitoral hood after long workouts. With daily rinsing in the shower, the buildup reduced and her symptoms disappeared.
Another woman in her forties developed pain and could no longer retract her clitoral hood. Examination showed adhesions with trapped smegma. After treatment, her symptoms improved, and she was able to keep the area clean more easily.
Stories like these are common — smegma can be simple to manage but, in some cases, linked with treatable conditions.
Comparing smegma with other conditions
Smegma discharge female may look like other vaginal conditions. Some differences include:
- Yeast infection — causes itching, redness, curdy discharge
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) — symptoms may include thin, grey discharge with a strong odour
- Aerobic vaginitis (AV) — yellow discharge with burning, may have foul odour
- Smegma — whitish, smooth or oily, with minimal irritation unless excessive
This comparison can help people distinguish between harmless buildup and conditions needing treatment.
When to see a doctor about smegma
Most smegma is harmless, but see a health professional if:
- There is persistent pain, burning or stinging
- A gritty sensation is felt beneath the clitoral hood
- The clitoris cannot be seen because the hood is stuck
- Swelling, redness or unusual discharge continues
These can indicate adhesions, infection or another vulval condition that requires treatment.
Frequently asked questions about smegma in women
This is the natural collection of female smegma beneath the clitoral hood.
Yes. Smegma may soften and release on its own. If there is no odour or itching, it is harmless.
Yeast infections cause itching and redness with thicker discharge. Smegma does not.
Normal skin shedding, oil secretion, hormonal changes and anatomical variations.
No. There is no evidence smegma is carcinogenic⁵.
Yes, although the amount varies.
No, because it is natural. Gentle washing is the best way to manage it.
Yes, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can affect it.
No. Water is sufficient, and soap may cause irritation.
Yes, if it builds up significantly, bacteria can multiply. Regular cleaning prevents this.
Not directly, but general skin health, hydration and comfort can be influenced by diet and lifestyle.
If the hood does not retract easily, do not force it. This may indicate adhesions, which can be treated by a clinician.
Yes, especially if it builds up. Gentle cleaning usually removes any smell.
Female smegma is part of normal vulval health. In small amounts it is protective, but when smegma clitoral hood buildup becomes excessive, it can cause irritation or confusion with infections. Knowing how to gently clean smegma under the clitoral hood, and understanding the difference between smegma or yeast infection female symptoms, can provide reassurance.
With simple hygiene — water, gentle rinsing, and avoiding soaps — smegma in women is easily managed. If you notice discomfort, odour, or changes that worry you, seek advice from a clinician. Awareness and care are the best ways to prevent problems and stay comfortable.
References
- 1.Fahmy MAB. Smegma. Normal and Abnormal Prepuce. Published online 2020:153-161. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-37621-5_17
- 2.Aerts L, Rubin RS, Randazzo M, Goldstein SW, Goldstein I. Retrospective Study of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Clitoral Adhesions: Women’s Health Providers Should Routinely Examine the Glans Clitoris. Sexual Medicine. Published online March 17, 2018:115-122. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.01.003
- 3.Chung JM, Park CS, Lee SD. Microbiology of smegma: Prospective comparative control study. Investig Clin Urol. Published online 2019:127. doi:10.4111/icu.2019.60.2.127
- 4.Van Howe R, Hodges F. The carcinogenicity of smegma: debunking a myth. Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online August 22, 2006:1046-1054. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01653.x
- 5.Parada M, D’Amours T, Amsel R, Pink L, Gordon A, Binik YM. Clitorodynia: A Descriptive Study of Clitoral Pain. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Published online August 1, 2015:1772-1780. doi:10.1111/jsm.12934
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