Fishy Odor in Uncircumcised Man

Q. My male partner has a very strong fishy odor. He is uncircumcised. Could this be a sexually transmitted disease, or just a bacterial infection from not being circumcised? Should I ask him about the odor, or will that just make him feel bad? What’s the risk of me getting whatever he has?

A. Uncircumcised men can accumulate glandular secretions under the foreskin that smell. These secretions can accumulate in as little as one day; when the foreskin is retracted, the residue appears whitish in color. Such secretions are commonly referred to as smegma. The odor does not mean there is a bacterial infection or STD. I don’t think there is any risk based on what you have told me, but if you are concerned, you need to express that to him and have him checked.