Go ahead. Say it out loud. You know you want to.
Trust me – I’ve been saying it all day. Every opportunity I have had, the word “smegma” has passed my lips.
You good now? The giggles gone?
I was educated on smegma today over at the community. Thank you to the lovely Nikki for this googled definition from wiki:
Both males and females produce smegma. In males, smegma is produced and accumulates under the foreskin; in females, it collects around the clitoris (holla!) and in the folds of the labia minora (also called the clitoral hood).
You want to know something funny? I always kind of thought that stuff was just toilet paper that got soggy and wet and left behind. Don’t get me wrong; I keep the down there space pretty well maintained and I really have no reason to think TP is lingering around, that’s just kind of where my head always went.
But, now I know. It’s smegma.
I’ve been thinking about circumcision all day, and wondering what I will do if I have a little boy. I kind of feel like that is one of those decisions that you typically defer to your hubby or baby daddy on. They are the ones with the same set-up down there, and they are the ones who know best on this subject. Plus, I would assume they are the ones who would be teaching smegma reduction if you opt for no circumcision.
Today, it dawned on me that the circumcision decision is actually going to fall on me though (as a single mother) –someone who is decidedly unversed on smegma, smegma reduction, and really all things penile (you know – beyond the basic mechanics that I’ve come to understand over the years!)
My parents were talked out of circumcising my little brother by his pediatrician. They were told it was no longer common practice and that it could lead to problems in the future; therefore, they chose to opt out. Years later however (when he was old enough to walk, talk, and comprehend) there were some infection issues (I’m now assuming because of smegma buildup – I’m going to have to call my brother later so we can discuss this further) and he had to be circumcised then. Let me tell you something – you have never in your life seen a more traumatized little boy. At that age it was no longer a simple procedure. There were now stitches and other unpleasantries involved – down there.
All because of smegma.
I think I decided today that I will be circumcising my little boy if I have one. I just don’t feel equipped to be on smegma patrol, especially as he gets older. No 9 year old needs his mom checking his ding-dong for smegma – talk about traumatizing!
Most days I find myself hoping for a little boy. I just love the naughty spirits of little boys, and I think I could raise one of the good ones. Today though? I’ve got to admit: I found myself hoping for a little girl.
Smegma.
