Smegma: Difference between revisions

Wikify.
Add link in SEEALSO section; Add category.
Line 101: Line 101:
== Smegma was falsely claimed to be carcinogenic ==
== Smegma was falsely claimed to be carcinogenic ==


Circumcision advocates of the past who alleged a relationship between "lack of circumcision" and genital cancers formerly implicated smegma or smegma-borne pathogens as the causative agent. Only two histologic studies of human smegma have ever been conducted, both of which found it to be perfectly harmless.  
Circumcision promoters of the past who alleged a relationship between "lack of circumcision" and genital cancers formerly implicated smegma or smegma-borne pathogens as the causative agent. Only two histologic studies of human smegma have ever been conducted, both of which found it to be perfectly harmless.  


The hypothesis that human male smegma is carcinogenic was first formulated in 1932 by circumcision promoter [[Abraham L. Wolbarst]], {{MD}}<ref>{{Wolbarst1932}}</ref> Wolbarst also believed that circumcision prevented epilepsy. (In the early part of the 20th Century, the paroxysm of [[masturbation]] in children was often misidentified as an epileptic seizure.) He wrote: "[Circumcision] diminishes the tendency to [[masturbation]], convulsions and other reflex phenomena of local irritation."
The hypothesis that human male smegma is carcinogenic was first formulated in 1932 by circumcision promoter [[Abraham L. Wolbarst]], {{MD}}<ref>{{Wolbarst1932}}</ref> Wolbarst also believed that circumcision prevented epilepsy. (In the early part of the 20th Century, the paroxysm of [[masturbation]] in children was often misidentified as an epileptic seizure.) He wrote: "[Circumcision] diminishes the tendency to [[masturbation]], convulsions and other reflex phenomena of local irritation."
Line 131: Line 131:
* [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin]]
* [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin]]
* [[Penile cancer]]  
* [[Penile cancer]]  
* [[Penis]]
* [[Preputial sac]]
* [[Preputial sac]]
{{LINKS}}
{{LINKS}}
Line 197: Line 198:
{{REF}}
{{REF}}


 
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[Category:Physiology]]