I’m an uncircumcised 19 year old. 2 days ago the head of my penis became irritated. It isn’t severely painful but i experience the most discomfort during and after ejaculation and stings only a little during urination. I have also noticed that at times there is what looks to me like dried semen underneath the foreskin except it is yellowish and there is also an odor. Oral sex was performed on me a little over 5 months ago and i suffered this same condition about 2 months after that, however, i soaked my penis in warm salt water and after a few days it went away. Could it be from the oral sex or is it something else i’m doing? should i see a doctor?
First, the yellowish dried semen could be a build up of smegma (see link), a cheesy/flaky substance that builds up over time under the foreskin. Smegma is basically your body’s oils, secretions, and whatever dirt gets under your foreskin. It’s important to wash under your foreskin daily to prevent a build up of smegma, because while it’s normal and natural, too much of it for too long can increase your risk of getting an infection under your foreskin (and it does smell).
Just remember to pull back your foreskin and wash under there like you would any other part of your body every time you take a shower/bath. You may want to refrain from using certain soaps, as strong/scented soaps can cause irritation under the foreskin and cause a bad odor. When you’re done, gently dry the area with a clean towel or "air dry" it before pulling your foreskin back over.
Now as for the irritation, it sounds like it could be a minor yeast infection or maybe a UTI. Again, be sure to keep clean under your foreskin. During this time, it’s probably a good idea to not use soap, as that causes imbalances of the microflora under there. Drink lots of water and cranberry juice, and eat yogurt. If the symptoms don’t disappear or get better in the next 3-4 days, definitely see a doctor ASAP.
Lastly, I wouldn’t soak your penis in warm salt water, if I were you. That doesn’t sound like a great thing for the penis.