Viewers of E4’s The Sex Clinic were appalled recently when a young patient visited the experts after developing a problem with his genitals.
Zach appeared on the show complaining of a smelly penis and left fans of the show mortified when he revealed he hadn’t washed down there properly for 24 years!
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Zach, who admitted he’d previously “had the clap” and “gonorrhoea”, told expert Dr Naomi Sutton that he’d been having issues retracting his foreskin, as well as having pain and irritation at the tip.
Unbelievably, he revealed he’d been living with the pain for nine months.
After having a poke about, Dr Naomi diagnosed Zach with a condition called Smegma – a sebaceous secretion in the folds of the skin, especially under a man’s foreskin.
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Usually, it’s the body’s natural lubricant. But, if allowed to accumulate in the foreskin cavity, it changes into an unpleasant, unhealthy, and bad-smelling substance.
Dr Naomi explained the condition was a “build-up of dead skin, oil and moisture which can become a breeding ground for bacteria”.
After discovering that he had never washed down there properly because he didn’t know he was supposed to, the doctor advised Zach to clean his penis with a soap substitute and to make sure he pulls back the foreskin for a good scrub.
Zach revealed: “I’ve never cleaned my foreskin before.”
The sexual health show – which offers sexual MOTs, STI tests and treatment, as well as sex advice on anything from fetishes to fisting – also featured Michelle who had skin growths at the tops of her thighs, and glamour model Taleela who wanted advice on pain-free anal sex.
Fans were quick to express their horror at the show, with one saying: “Where on Earth do they find these people to go on The Sex Clinic? If you can’t wash your own bits then you are just looking for trouble.”
Another said: “Too far! This poor lad on The Sex Clinic has just been told his willy basically needs a good wash.”
https://twitter.com/evacoffey/status/1090028656385294337
Where on Earth do they find these people to go on this sex clinic,,,if you can't wash your own bits then you are just looking for trouble.
— ♠ George- All ♠ (@george_all) January 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/ColleenMyQueen/status/1091501590673088512
This guy ain't ever going to pull again #TheSexClinic pic.twitter.com/p09uFYfgtM
— Paul (@Masterfezza) January 28, 2019
Is anyone else watching the sex clinic on E4? I am genuinely shocked at how little these people know about sexual health!
If you don't know the basics, you really shouldn't be shagging!!— Bec Fawcett-Howitt⚡ (@factualmama) January 28, 2019
A third repulsed viewer said: “Ughh. TV show called The Sex Clinic. A 24-year-old young man had never pulled his foreskin back to wash his [bleep]. Doctor pulled it back – covered in smegma.”
Another said: “Is anyone else watching The Sex Clinic on E4? I am genuinely shocked at how little these people know about sexual health!”
“Please tell me someone else is watching The Sex Clinic on E4 and just saw that guy who’s never pulled his foreskin back to clean his [bleep] because he didn’t know he had to? OMG He’s slept with 40 girls,” cried another.
Zach also shocked viewers when he revealed he doesn’t use a condom.
Lots of talk on social media about Zach #thesexclinic It is not uncommon to see #Smegma on examination in clinic; he is NOT the only one who has experienced this problem #keeptalking #letstalkaboutsex #nojudgement #stopstigma pic.twitter.com/UYjo2SlRr4
— Naomi Sutton (@DrNaomiSutton) January 29, 2019
Meanwhile, Naomi was quick to defend Zach and raise awareness of the condition, tweeting: “Lots of talk on social media about Zach #thesexclinic. It is not uncommon to see #Smegma on examination in clinic; he is NOT the only one who has experienced this problem #keeptalking #letstalkaboutsex #nojudgement #stopstigma.”
The series continued this week with a boy called Khayda, who was worried about spots on his bum, while Emelio thought he might be having too much fun in bed.
Elle was desperate for tips on how to have pain-free sex, and Jacob, who never uses condoms, wanted a sex test.
Do you think shows like The Sex Clinic are important for sexual health awareness? Or would you rather not be subjected to it? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!