Fluid buildup under foreskin

[zanzibaritone]

Hello. Male, 50s. I get an occasional (roughly twice a week on average but sometimes more and sometimes none at all) buildup of a slippery, transparent fluid under my foreskin. The fluid smells unpleasant but it's not what I'd call fishy. I don't have any pain or itch and have not noticed a discharge.

If it matters I was diagnosed with GHSV-1 about a year ago. I have been taking 1000mg of valacyclovir daily to suppress. Outbreaks used to be bad and frequent but the last outbreak I had was in June of 2021, so the valacyclovir seems to be working.

No other issues I'm aware of in that zone. Could someone advise what the fluid might be? What might be done? II shower daily and practice good hygiene.

[oculus12]

A visit to the doctor or telemedicine is really a good idea. Please do it. If you can't get an appointment right away here is a thing you could try- don't wash your penis with soap, just rinse it with warm water. Maybe the soap is irritating the secretory glands in your penis skin, causing aforementioned buildup.

[GuitarRox]

Fluid under your foreskin? To clarify, do you have discharge that you notice?  I'm thinking along the lines as smegma.  Not uncommon at all.  It's in fact considered normal. I think chlamydia discharge is cloudy and thick usually.  And often drips besides building up.  But you'll have to think if that would match up or not.  I am more inclined to think smegma buildup. Important to note that chlamydia can create a discharge build up too so you can always test for that.  Good to cover all bases. https://www.healthline.com/health/chlamydia-symptoms-in-men  Smegma is often kind of thick too.  But not always.  Smegma is a build up of skin cells, oil secretions, and moisture.  Because we don't know much from your description, can you see the doctor to determine? Don't be embarrassed. Your doctor doesn't care and then they can give you tips related to preventing this and how to clean it.  Or if it is chlamydia, an antibiotic will clear it up. So, see your doctor.

[AnnieBrooke]

I was wondering about smegma, but he is describing this as transparent and slippery, when smegma is usually more thick and 'cheesy,' and doesn't seem to ever be described as transparent. (Basically, though chlamydia doesn't always act like this, smegma is less like this.) He should definitely see his doc, since if it's chlamydia he should take care of it (and should notify past partners, too). And if it isn't either thing, he should find out what it could be.

[GuitarRox]

@ AnnieBrooke.  Agreed!

[zanzibaritone]

When I was diagnosed with GHSV-1 the doctor ordered a full STD panel. The fluid buildup was already part of what I was experiencing with the HSV outbreaks. I had thought it was blister fluid or similar. The doc didn't seem concerned about it.

Now that I've been on suppression therapy for months and outbreaks have all but disappeared, the occasional appearance of this slippery fluid (I don't think it's a discharge as it only appears under the foreskin and not from the tip) is puzzling. No other symptoms, and it has never hurt to urinate. Any other thoughts? I'm prepared to go back to the doctor for another panel but given COVID right now I want to avoid visiting labs and doctors' offices for the next while.

Thank you both for the feedback thus far!

[GuitarRox]

Docs often do telemedicine.  What about calling the doctor that prescribed the suppression med and TELLING them your symptoms (avoiding the office) to see if this has been heard of before in their practice or experience or reading. I found this link that I'll post.  Not exactly your situation but a comparison to consider. https://stdcenterny.com/herpes-balanitis.html

[19643reinardosilverstone]

Did you ever find out what this was?

[AnnieBrooke]

Have you been tested for chlamydia? It can cause a discharge.