Smegma is the cheese-like secretion that collects between the glans penis and the foreskin or around the clitoris and labia minora. It is made of a combination of exfoliated skin cells, skin oils, and moisture as well as secretions from the apocrine glands in females and sebaceous glands in males.
Smegma provides a protective coating for the clitoris and the glans of the penis. In the case of the penis it serves as a source of natural lubrication between the sensitive glans and the foreskin aiding in their movement during sexual intercourse.
Supporters of circumcision have argued that smegma contributes to the development of penile cancer. There is no evidence, however, to support this claim.
