A stem-guided valve for use inside of a fluid end. The valve body is installed in a conduit that traverses the fluid end housing. A removable guide element is installed within a bore formed in the valve body. A static component that is interposed within the conduit includes an elongate projecting stem. As the stem reciprocates axially with the guide element, the valve is caused to move between open and closed positions. In its closed position, the valve body engages a valve seat that surrounds the conduit. A plurality of perforations are formed in the walls of the guide element, the perforations allow fluid to drain from the guide element during operation.