Smelly penis. Please help.

[danblukk]

I'm at my wits end. I can't shift this fishy smell my penis has when I pull the foreskin back.

I never used to have it, it all started when an ex-girlfriend got a yeast infection.

Since then it won't go away. I've gone through tubes of Canesten cream, even the one with the tablet. It's just a smell, nothing else, no itching, burning, redness, discharge. It is a little moist sometimes.

Literally, within an hour of getting out of the shower, the smell is back. I've even tried non-scented soap like E45 shower cream. Nothing works.

I can't even see a doctor as they ain't seeing anybody because of Covid. All the sexual health clinics are shut for walk-ins. I spoke to a doctor on the phone, she sounded as confused as me. She sent me an STI check kit, all came back negative.

It's really affecting my self-confidence. I've even turned down potential partners because of this.

I just want it to go away. Please help.

[Hidden]

Where are you that you cannot see a doctor? Doctors are still seeing patients as necessary.

[danblukk in reply to Hidden]

London. I called my local clinic for an appointment. They told me phone appointments only. A doctor called me back.

[Hidden in reply to danblukk]

Following that, if a doctor needs to see you they will ask you to attend. I think you need to be talking to your GP.

Does your girlfriend also have the same smell?

[danblukk in reply to Hidden]

I'm not with her anymore for a good 4-5 months. The doctors in my area ain't seeing anyone. Even my parents can't get an appointment. Gotta be referred even to go into an STI clinic. I feel they are just gonna fob me off on the phone. Saying oh wash it like this and not too often etc.

[Hidden in reply to danblukk]

You should tell the doctor your whole history. If doctors are refusing to see people face-to-face when it is necessary then they should be reported to your local Clinical Commissioning Group.

[danblukk]

COuld be that. The doctor on the phone didn't even mention trichomonas. No over the counter stuff for it either

[danblukk]

Which I'm guessing is prescription only. Means a doctor if I ever get to see one has gotta think it's that too.

[danblukk]

You had a funny smell or other symptoms?

[danblukk]

I'm gonna call the docs again and mention that.

[jimfromcalif]

You have probably upset the bacterial balance by washing the mucosa with soap. The internal parts of your foreskin are composed of the same substance as your mouth. If you wouldn’t wash your mouth with soap, don’t wash your penis with it. Plain, clear water works. To get the balance back, the Old Wives’ Remedy of applying yogurt is known to work for many. Use plain yogurt with live cultures.

[danblukk in reply to jimfromcalif]

I've always washed with shower cream and never had a problem before. So I've gotta put yoghurt on it every night before bed or something?

[S2BC in reply to danblukk]

Normal shower creams are not pH-balanced. Like plain yogurt with live cultures pH-balanced soapless soap pH is 5.5 or under. I have used German brand 'Sebamed' Liquid face & body wash for years. There are similar available in UK, too.

[jimfromcalif in reply to danblukk]

Most guys will never have a problem, but now you do. The source of foul odors is generally bacteria. The friendly bacteria which normally inhabit the preputial cavity do not smell foul, so the current odor is a strong sign of presence of bad bacteria. The most common cause of this is over cleaning. Friendly bacteria are necessary for good health, and those in yogurt help to reestablish the right balance. Try putting a small dab inside your foreskin for a few nights to see if that changes things.

A common cause can be having taken antibiotics for a while. They also destroy friendly bacteria. Antibiotics and using soap can help set up foreskin issues as you describe. Yeast is very common.

A dermatologist might be in order to see.

[vespass180]

that dont sound good,you seem to be doing all the right things,im ok i have no foreskin,but you should see a doctor otherwise you could never get with a girl ever again

[orchidguynw]

I don't see how the one person said Flagyl would help, that's an antibiotic for intestinal issues.

I use soap when I shower down there, but if I missed a day or get sweaty, I know that smell. If you aren't hot or sweating, not sure why it would bother you right after a shower.

[YumTea]

While you are waiting to get an appointment to see the doctor you can try applying some virgin coconut oil on the inside of your foreskin and on your glans. You can apply and lightly rub massage after your wash with warm water whenever you shower. Some people do it 2-3 times a day.

Coconut oil is easy to acquire at many grocery stores here in US and I guess it would be the same in UK. If not, then you can search for it in an Asian (Indian or East Asian) grocery store.

Coconut oil has anti-microbial properties that help keep the skin healthy. It’s also used by women to rid of yeast infections.

In Asia it’s not uncommon for people to massage coconut oil onto the whole body (post shower) and it’s also commonly used by guys in south/east Asia as a lube to masturbate.

[robradharc]

Coconut oil has to be virgin unrefined. You will find it in the food section. I've used it as a sex for sex. Better that water-based lubes.

[procut]

I, too, would definitely recommend being screened for trichomoniasis. "Fishy smell" is a hallmark symptom.

[danblukk]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Gonna try some yoghurt and coconut oil. If that doesn't work. Will call the doctors again.