What Does Semen Smell Like And Why? - Medical News Today

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat does semen smell like and why?Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M.D. — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on January 4, 2024

Healthy smell
Unusual smells
Factors that affect smell
Can you change the smell?
Seeing a doctor
Semen health tips
Summary

Semen, or cum, typically has a faint smell due to a mixture of chemicals, such as citric acid and calcium. It may also smell slightly sweet, as it contains fructose. A strong, fishy odor, might stem from an infection, while a very sweet smell may be a sign of diabetes.

Although semen helps sperm reach the egg, sperm only makes up 1% of semen. The liquids that make up the other 99% of semen give it an odor. This article will discuss what semen typically smells like and what unusual smells might mean.

What does healthy semen smell like?

a man wondering what semen tastes like. — The smell of semen is usually faint because it is primarily made up of water.

Semen typically smells like substances that have a similar pH level, which is a measure of how acidic a chemical is.

Normal semen is slightly alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7.2 to 7.8. This is a similar pH to that of blood, and slightly lower than seawater and baking soda. Some people report a stronger smell that is similar to bleach or ammonia, which is normal.

Other chemicals that are in semen can also influence its smell. For example, some people may notice a sugary smell because semen contains fructose, a sugar found in fruits. Semen also contains magnesium and calcium, which can give it a slightly metallic or salty smell.

Semen is primarily made up of water, so the smell is usually faint. Some people may not even notice a smell.

Unusual smells and what they mean

It is usual for the smell of semen to change.

Semen typically has a faint odor, and a change in smell could be down to a shift in perception. For example, someone could detect a sweeter smell from the fructose at one time and a more salty odor from the calcium another time.

Prolonged or significant changes in the smell of semen may point to an underlying medical condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection.

Some smells that could signal a problem include:

Very strong smell: Bacteria and other germs can change the way semen smells. If semen has a foul and overpowering odor or gets worse with time, it may be a sign of an infection or sexually transmitted disease.
Sweet smell: Normal semen can smell slightly sweet because of the fructose it contains. But semen that has a particularly sweet odor could be an early warning sign of diabetes. One old study suggests that men with diabetes may have more sugar into their semen, giving it a sweeter smell than usual.
Fishy odor: A fishy odor is not normal. Fishy smelling semen may indicate a sexually transmitted infection.

When semen changes in smell, it can also taste differently. Changes in taste can be another sign of an underlying medical condition.

Factors that affect the smell

Share on Pinterest

Certain foods may temporarily change the smell of semen.

The smell of semen can change if it mixes with other substances, such as urine or sweat. It can also smell differently when it dries. Dried semen tends to have a stronger, more noticeable smell.

The pH of semen may affect how it smells, and if the pH changes, it can affect the smell. The prostate also adds an acidic fluid to the semen, which lowers its pH. Changes in prostate function may affect both the pH and odor of semen.

The vagina is also slightly acidic. When semen combines with vaginal fluids, the smell can also change.

Can you change how semen smells?

There is currently no good quality research linking changes in diet to lasting changes in the way semen tastes or smells. But just as food can change the way a person’s sweat or skin smells, it can also temporarily change the smell of semen.

People who are concerned about the smell of their semen should avoid strong-smelling foods, such as fish. They should also avoid foods that change the smell or color of other bodily fluids, such as asparagus.

When to see a doctor

Everyone’s semen smells differently. Some people may even notice the smell changing over time or with shifts in diet, exercise, rest, and other lifestyle factors.

It is best to see a doctor if:

semen suddenly smells foul
semen smells very sweet
there is blood in the semen
ejaculation becomes painful
urinary issues occur, such as incontinence or more frequent trips to the bathroom at night
the genitals become itchy
unusual discharge from the penis
bumps develop on or around the genitals

Tips for healthy semen

Share on Pinterest

Regular exercise can help keep semen healthy.

It is useful to pay attention to the smell of semen. A 2015 study found that semen pH influences sperm health, which can affect fertility.

It is possible to promote semen and reproductive health by:

eating a healthful, balanced diet
avoiding foods or supplements that claim to improve semen smell or quality
avoiding smoking and using recreational drugs
moderating alcohol use.
getting plenty of exercise

Summary

Semen has a faint smell that varies from person to person.

Lasting changes to the smell of semen can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. For example, a strong foul or fishy smell can be a sign of infection or a sexually transmitted condition. See a doctor if these changes occur.

Some things can change the smell of semen, such as when it mixes with urine. However, diet cannot change the smell of semen in any lasting way.

Men's Health
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Nutrition / Diet
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Gerbilld, H., et al. (2018). Physical activity to improve erectile function: A systematic review of intervention studies.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5960035/
Owen, D. H., et al. (2013). A review of the physical and chemical properties of human semen and the formulation of a semen simulant.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2164/jandrol.04104
Padrón, R. S., et al. (1984). Semen analyses in adolescent diabetic patients [Abstract].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6475450
The pH scale with some common examples. (n.d.).https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/file/The+pH+scale+with+some+common+examples
Vaginal pH. (2018).https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/vaginal-ph
Zhou, J. (2015). The semen pH affects sperm motility and capacitation.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4501804/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M.D. — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on January 4, 2024

Latest news

AI platform and blood test may better predict diabetes risk
Shingles vaccine may help slow biological aging, study finds
Text reminders may help heart failure patients avoid readmission
Obesity may be a key risk factor for vascular dementia, study says
Which types of physical activity may help prolong life span?

Related Coverage

What does semen taste like, and can it change?Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP
Semen typically has a bitter or slightly salty taste, though this may vary from person to person. Various fluids in the semen influence its taste…
READ MORE
Why is my semen yellow?Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.D.
Semen is a gel-like fluid that contains sperm, which can fertilize an egg. Usually, it is whitish-gray, but any changes in the reproductive glands, or…
READ MORE
Why does semen color change and what does it mean?Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Why does semen color vary and what does it mean? Read on to discover the causes of change in semen color and texture, and what these may mean.
READ MORE
What causes watery semen, and does it affect fertility?Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Ejaculating multiple times per day, living with certain medical conditions, and having nutritional deficiencies can all cause watery semen. Watery…
READ MORE
What to know about post-vasectomy pain syndrome
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome is testicular pain that can develop after a vasectomy. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment options, and outlook here.
READ MORE

Tag » What Does Semen Smell Like

What Does Semen Smell Like And Why? - Medical News Today

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us

What does healthy semen smell like?

Unusual smells and what they mean

Factors that affect the smell

Can you change how semen smells?

When to see a doctor

Tips for healthy semen

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Semen Smell: Why It's Fishy, Like Chlorine Or Rotten Eggs, And Mo

What Does Semen Taste Like? Health Facts About Sperm

What Does Semen Smell Like? What Does It Say About Your Health?

What Is The Color And Smell Of Healthy Sperm? - Vinmec

What Your Semen Says About Your Health - Verywell Health

What Does Semen Smell Like? The Truth - YourTango

Can Semen Cause A Smelly Vagina After Sex? | Vaginal Odour | Patient

Is His Semen Normal? - Cosmopolitan

What Does Semen Smell Like? : R/NoStupidQuestions - Reddit

Why Does My Semen Smell So Good To Me? - Quora

Why Does Sperm Smell Like Sweat? - Quora

Why My Semen Smells Like Rotten Eggs | Your Doctors Online

What Does Sperm Smell Like? Does It Smell Bad? - LoyalMD

Contact