Changes in semen color are often of little concern, but certain colors may suggest a health problem. Women who have had the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and have recently given birth should use antibiotic contraceptives for three months after giving birth. It is a myth that swallowing semen or oral sex can cause pregnancy. "Anecdotally, semen can have a slight change in odor or taste with changes in food, meaning eating asparagus may result in a similar change in the odor of semen as noted with urine.". A jelly-like consistency and usually a grey or cloudy white fluid are the characteristics of healthy semen. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Apocrine glands are only found in certain parts of the body, such as the armpits andyou guessed itthe groin, according to the National Cancer Institute. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Water flushes out impurities and toxins in your body. It is said that the following factor may affect the smell of your sperm, but there is no solid proof and may need tests and experiments to verify them. Your cervical mucus changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Research also suggests that smoking cigarettes can affect fertility. Most of the fluid comes from the seminal vesicles, which add a wide variety of chemicals, including: The prostate gland mostly adds citric acid, but also adds: The taste of semen varies from person to person. The ampulla also adds fructose, a type of sugar that helps nourish sperm and may give semen a slightly sweet taste. DOI: Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Does Viril X really work? Sperm production slows down as people get older, according to MedlinePlus. Another possible cause of a smelly penis is a buildup of smegmaa cheese-like substance consisting of naturally-secreted oils, dead skin cells, and moisture that collects under the foreskinaccording to an article in the journal Investigative and Clinical Urology. 8675Thr 7 yr. ago. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Christina is a New York City-based writer and commerce editor. Most men's semen will have a somewhat bleach-y, chlorine-y smell to it. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022. If, for whatever reason, the sperm is not able to fertilize the egg, that dead sperm moves towards the uterus and disintegrates. (n.d.). Lasting changes to the smell of semen can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. STIs may also be at work if the semen takes on a yellow or green color," Dr. Reitano said. Rarely is blood in semen a sign of cancer. Laboratory and clinical management of leukocytospermia and hematospermia: a review. Semen also contains magnesium and calcium, which can give it a slightly metallic or salty smell. 2. Other drinks that contain caffeine including black teas and sodas can also make the situation worse. Many men worry about sperm health because they dont want to pass on genetic defects or infertility problems to their children. Which Infertility Treatment Is Right for You? From there, the cells enter a coiled tube called the epididymis where they are stored and mature under the influence of hormones from the testicles and pituitary gland. Ammonia is harmless; however, it can create a fishy odor. It could be a symptom of an underlying issue. Food, alcohol, coffee, and the other substances a person consumes can affect the chemical composition and taste. Consuming any of these substances can reportedly cause the flavor to become more bitter, pungent, or sour. When semen combines with vaginal fluids, the smell can also change. But what about the genitals? 2019;60(2):127-132. doi:10.4111/icu.2019.60.2.127. There are quite a few things to know about semen. This infection causes the tissue on these organs to die and fall off which can lead to a foul smell. Also, putting cinnamon and nutmeg in the diet can decrease how strongly the sperm smells. Prolonged or significant changes in the smell of semen may point to an underlying medical condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection. 3. University of California, Santa Barbara, SexInfo Online: "How Long Can Sperm Live in Air? Dtsch Arztebl Int. Vegetables contain lots of vitamins and minerals that improve overall health. This chemical is found naturally in urine and sweat. 1 Avoid contact with toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals. The female partner may develop widespread hives or worse." All rights reserved. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. We asked sex and relationship experts for the best ways to talk about sex. Learn how we can help 3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Phillip Goebel agrees1 doctor agrees 1 thank Diet and sperm quality: nutrients, foods and dietary patterns. What Are the Benefits of a Prostate Massage? Phallosan Forte Reviews: Does This Penis Extender Really Work? doi:10.1152/physrev.00013.2015, Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF. Drinking plenty of water is always important and is another factor in keeping yourself healthy. For more information, visit the American Urological Associations website. Sperm that don't reach the cervix won't last more than a few hours due to the acidic vaginal conditions. Relationship between semen production and medical comorbidity. (2015). "The seminal vesicles [two tubes in the pelvis] provide fructose, a sugar that gives spermatozoa the energy it needs to swim all the way to the female egg." Sperm can survive in the vagina for up to several hours. Eat a healthy diet and keep your weight under control. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Some of them are given below. This rare form of gangrene involves an infection of the scrotum, penis, or perineum, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). You should tell him/her if you have had unprotected sexual contact recently. 2017;40(11):1209-18.doi:10.1007/s40618-017-0684-0, Khodamoradi K, Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, et al. Practicing safe sex is crucial to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Lasting changes to the smell of semen can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. But don't quit your daily vitamin just yet. Its a win-win. Normally, this fluid is released into the urinary tract via ejaculation. ", IVFMD.com: "New World Health Semen Analysis Parameters.". If you're a man and you have sex even a few days before your partner ovulates, there's chance they may get pregnant. (n.d.). Certain foods can alter the taste and smell of semen, making it more bitter, pungent, or musky. ", Stinky semen could be indicative of a larger issue. Certain foods can cause a stronger smell if you eat too much, even though they are still healthy. Another factor that can influence the smell or taste of semen is an infection. Some are normal, whereas others may require medical attention. "Certain parts of the body that are covered in skin don't feel like they smell," Dr. Bohl said. Each of these fluids adds different chemicals, with each influencing how the semen might taste. Heart problems and many other problems are caused due to excessive intake of red meat. Many people complain about sperm odor. Is It a Normal Strong Odor? When sperm dies, it soon dries out and gets crusty with a light filmy covering. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5960035/, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.2164/jandrol.04104, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6475450, https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/file/The+pH+scale+with+some+common+examples, https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/vaginal-ph, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4501804/. What Is the Likelihood of Getting Pregnant From Precum? The best way to get rid of fishy-smelling sperm std is to drink enough water. These include urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The prostate also adds an acidic fluid to the semen, which lowers its pH. Your overall health and medicines tends to make your sperm and semen smell strongly. When we have intercourse and he ejaculates inside, i make sure i go to the bathroom and clean up real well. goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/do-diet-and-physical-activity-affect-taste-semen, If You Have Questions About Your Penis Size, Read This, Condom Size Chart: How Length, Width, and Girth Measure Up Across Brands. You're male so it probably just smells like normal body smell instead of jumping out and hitting you? you may wonder "How long does sperm live?" 2016;96(1):117. Eating an increased quantity of fruit or drinking fruit juice can assist. 2015;103(1):66-71. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.10.017, Kovac JR, Khanna A, Lipshultz LI. "Most of the body is covered in sweat glands called eccrine glands, which secrete water and salt and are good for cooling off the body," Dr. Bohl explained. "Semen doesn't have any inherent components that are bad by nature," Dr. Reitano said. Typically, semen has a faint smell caused by a mixture of chemicals, such as citric acid and calcium. If a man wants to get rid of the bad smell of the sperm, he must avoid excessive drinking of alcohol. Semen that stays thick may make it difficult for sperm to move. If infertility is an issue for you and your partner, it helps to understand the basics. Blueberries are among many fruits that a man can eat to help stay healthy and keep sperm healthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You name the flavor, and theres a chance your semen will taste that way one day. There may sometimes be jelly-like globules in the semen, which is normal if you are dehydrated or have not ejaculated in a long time. Microbiology of smegma: Prospective comparative control study. However, if you are not using contraception, and do not want a baby, you should take the following precautions: Sperm are present in pre-ejaculation fluid, so the withdrawal method is not a reliable means of contraception. Similarly, good personal hygiene practices are likely to reduce sweat and the bacteria that create foul odors. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, In Vitro Fertilization: What You Need to Know. Leslie SW, Siref LE, Soon-Sutton TL, Khan MAB. As semen is a bodily fluid, it can carry sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV. Maybe spraying down the fabric and cushioned items in your home with an enzymatic cleaner (usually sold for pet stains) would make you stop worrying that your home smells like it. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. (2015). Franken DR, Oehninger S. Semen analysis and sperm function testing. Dr. Reitano said that sperm produced by people over age 52 were more likely to be abnormal than the sperm of younger people. A lot of red meat is not only bad for the sperms but it also affects the overall health profile of an individual. Bleeding While Masturbation: The Common Causes and When Should You See a Doctor, Teens with Puffy Nipples: Causes and Treatment. Genital herpes basic fact sheet. They will run tests to confirm whats causing the problem. If your sperm and semen have a fishy or foul smell and their color changes into brown, red, green or yellow, you must have an infection which always occurs at the prostate gland or other organs of male productive system. Dr. Bohl advised careful washing of the penis in the shower, and if there is any smegma buildup, it should be wiped away. Infection When bad or good bacteria (healthy bacteria) or viruses enter the male sexual organ, they may get trapped within the walls of the seminal vesicles. Regular consumption of alcohol can lead to heart disease, liver problems, diabetes, and cancer. The sperm are designed to survive in a woman's vagina and are ill-suited to open air and dry surfaces. Here we discuss what smells are normal and what others, Is it safe to swallow semen? Drinking, smoking, and taking drugs could also cause a stronger smell in sperm. It can also smell differently when it dries. Why are so many sperm released if it takes only one to make a baby? For most people, the taste of semen is mild and inoffensive. The pH scale with some common examples. Treatment for balanitis can vary, depending on the cause. Jerry Kennard, PhD, is a psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society. 8 Things That Can Cause Odor. Masturbation does not hinder the ability to get pregnant either. Spermatogenesis: the commitment to meiosis. This may give semen a slightly meaty taste similar to uncooked mushrooms. If the sperm is an odd color, such as yellow, red, green, or brown, that might be an indication of any infection associated with the male reproductive system or prostate glands. Some smells that could signal a problem include: When semen changes in smell, it can also taste differently. Last Updated 05 March, 2023. Several factors contribute to making the situation worse. The less often a man ejaculates, the stronger the sperm smell maybe. Your first ejaculation in a long period of time will have a much stronger smell. Dilation of the Prostate Gland A swollen prostate gland may also give rise to white or yellowish discharge in the semen. Will It work in Humans? "On occasion, a broken blood vessel in the urethra or prostate can make semen appear brown or reddish. Now you not only have all the answers to "What does sperm smell like, look like and taste like?" You might be wondering if its normal for sperm to smell after drying out. The most common ones include HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Herpes, HPV. While Dr. Bohl said this hypothesis isn't backed up by science, it's definitely possible that certain foods can affect semen's smell. But the odds that sperm in a tub of water will find their way inside a woman's body and cause them to get pregnant are extremely low. Does a Healthy Penis Smell BadAnd What About Semen? Eur Radiol. ", What is semen supposed to smell like? Wholesomealive.com is reader-supported. If you have a fishy smell when you ejaculate, this may not necessarily mean that theres an infection going on inside your body. The second type of PEE is foul smelling. Many people do not notice a smell at all. Diet can also be the reason for the smell of sperm. A new symptom of PEE or a symptom from another condition may arise suddenly. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Is It a Normal Strong Odor? What you consume on a daily basis from certain foods to other substances can change the compound composition, which will have a subtle effect on the flavor of your semen. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by the cervix. Drinking enough water will help flush out any harmful gasses that might be present in your semen. Although semen flavor varies from one person to another, its generally warm and salty with a slightly chlorine-like smell. It doesn't smell foul or pungent just distinct. It's also produced as part of digestion, so it can appear in semen. It is an outward sign of the sperm decomposing more, so the smell gets stronger. To answer these and other questions, we talked to a men's health specialist, who shared some seriously fascinating facts. Smoking tobacco can also alter the taste or smell of semen. Maya WC, Berdugo J, Cadavid AP. The body digests semen like any other food. Even frequent masturbation does not affect it. On the other hand, a lower-than-normal semen volume (less than 1.5 mL) also corresponds to a lower likelihood of fertility. On the other hand, diets high in fish, fruits, vegetables, and walnuts are shown to increase sperm quality. "Descriptions of what exactly the odor smells like vary from mushrooms to ammonia," Dr. Bohl said. Your body wont be at optimal performance without enough water, so your sperm may suffer. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. ", University of Michigan Health System: "Male Infertility. This may result in the formation of pus which will eventually result in the production of white or yellowish discharge. They should also avoid foods that change the smell or color of other bodily fluids, such as asparagus. Semen with an unusual smell, such as a strong, fishy odor, might be a sign of infection. If the sperm had just become smelly when it used not to be, you have not changed your diet, and you believe that it could be a symptom of an underlying problem, you should see a doctor. Last medically reviewed on August 13, 2019, The smell of semen could be nothing to worry about or it can point to an underlying condition. The job included pest control for flies and maggots that were in the kitchen and . In a hot tub or bath, sperm can only live for a few seconds to a few minutes. That's why it's possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex while menstruating. So, try to avoid having an excessive amount of garlic. Its name comes from sperm, is because the first time it was isolated was through human sperm. Learn, Semen is a gel-like fluid that contains sperm, which can fertilize an egg. Bacterial vaginosis is highly treatable. Semen consistency, volume, quality, and color can naturally change from day to day. All rights reserved. Eisenberg ML, Li S, Behr B, Pera RR, Cullen MR. Indian J Urol. The taste of semen can vary from person to person. We avoid using tertiary references. Open communication with a partner and gentle mutual encouragement can help both partners feel less worried about all bodily fluids, including semen. Fruits contain fiber that helps keep you regular. "Pre-ejaculate is a slightly basic secretion released from glands called Cowper glands," Dr. Reitano said. Semen is the cloudy, white fluid that is released from the penis during ejaculation. Your partner might complain about having a fishy or foul unpleasant smell. Finally, if underwear isn't clean and some residual urine is in the mix as well, this can cause a stench. Diet can impact sperm quality and fertility. Semen and sperm may have various smells and here are the details: 1. If the reason for the bad sperm odor is because of any common practice then try to get rid of it and from the bad sperm smell as well. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a symptom of herpes. This article also covers how semen should smell, Ejaculating multiple times per day, living with certain medical conditions, and having nutritional deficiencies can all cause watery semen. Dr. Reitano said that sperm contains vitamin C, B12, ascorbic acid, calcium, citric acid, fructose, lactic acid, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, fat, and hundreds of different proteins. The semen pH affects sperm motility and capacitation. Here are more useful facts: As well as "What does sperm smell like?" Perhaps that is why many people feel self-conscious and anxious about their bodies and bodily fluids, especially during sex. What about the calorie count? If youve experienced any of these issues, try to keep calm and discuss the situation with your doctor. The pH range of semen is 7.2 to 8.2, which means these foods may contribute to less bitterness to the taste not an added sweetness. The quality and quantity of your ejaculation will also affect its smell. HRT is not a substitute for birth control and should never be assumed to be such. There are many different STDs that can cause either of these types of sperm smells. Although all of these symptoms can occur together, its important to know when each symptom starts and ends. I wish there was like a 100% guarantee of dead sperm within a few weeks :p. [deleted] 7 yr. ago. The semen is a complex liquid, and it is yellowish in appearance sometimes. Why does semen color change and what does it mean? The liquids that make up the other 99% of semen give it an odor. Owen, D. H., & Katz, D. F. (2013). Last medically reviewed on October 18, 2020. The ampulla produces ergothioneine, an antioxidant that commonly develops in mushrooms. Semen has a faint smell that varies from person to person. If it is deposited into a bath of warm water that is approximately 98 degrees, [they] may live for a few minutes," Dr. Reitano said. Read our, How to Have Healthy Sperm for Maximum Fertility, Tip for Keeping Your Urinary Tract Healthy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Some things you can learn from the analysis: Amount and thickness of semen. Fertil Steril. The cause of PEE isnt known, but researchers believe that it could be caused by certain medications, hormonal changes, or psychological stress. A New Male Birth Control Works in Mice. Consuming any of these substances can. As the fluid and sperm dry, the chlorine-type smell sets in. It could probably be other causes like excessive fluid accumulation on testicles or lack of proper hygiene. Asian J Androl. Let us discuss this issue in a bit more detail. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation. The semen will then dry up, becoming useless. And because urine has a bad odor, you might notice a fishy smell from time to time. "Most of the evidence leans toward pre-ejaculate containing no sperm, or only very tiny amounts of sperm," Dr. Reitano said. Trichomoniasis, aka trich, can cause a putrid, fishy odor from the penis or vagina. Does alcohol have any effect on male reproductive function? The end product is semen. We avoid using tertiary references. "Foul-smelling semen can be a sign of an infection, possibly a sexually transmitted infection. Everything You Want to Know About Female Ejaculation, 10 Facts About Testicles Everyone Needs to Know, Everything You Need to Know About Using a Dental Dam. Zhou, J. Several fluids combine with sperm to make semen. A large amount of caffeine can cause dehydration in the body and is also responsible for acidic or more bitter sperm smell. The reasons why such discharge occurs may be due to a variety of causes and should not be considered as normal discharge. See a doctor if these changes occur. It is an outward sign of the sperm decomposing more, so the smell gets stronger. Also called sperm density, this is the number of sperm in millions per milliliter of semen. After a male ejaculates in a female it DOES have an odor. Why does some sperm make me smell fishy? Yes, sperm has a distinct odor. Yikes! Some people may even notice the smell changing over time or with shifts in diet, exercise, rest, and other lifestyle factors. It means that your sperm contains high levels of ammonia. Sperm concentration. Some health conditions may change the way semen tastes. If you dont practice good hygiene, its not going to be great down there regardless of what you eat, drink, or otherwise ingest. "If ejaculation occurs in a hot tub with chemicals, the sperm can live no more than a few seconds. A urologist can walk you through what is needed to investigate the abnormality. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should make sure to properly clean the area around your penis and testicles. Read on to learn more about what may change the taste of semen and how it does so. While this may seem alarming, the condition (called hematospermia) is usually not serious. These include foul-smelling semen, abnormally colored semen, or high or low volumes of semen after ejaculation. But does it really work? Oral sex is a common sexual act that many people find pleasurable. In this article, we examine what semen typically tastes and smells like, and what gives it this taste. It is usual for the smell of semen to change. On average, each time men ejaculatethey releasenearly 100 million sperm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, not enough research exists to show a strong link between diet and semen flavor. How fast does sperm come out of a man? The smell of the sperm can be really bad if the sperm completely dies before it dries out. Keep your stress low so that your hormones remain balanced. A better understanding of the new "smelling" capabilities of human sperm cells may lead to advances in contraception and fertility treatments. Some people enjoy swallowing or tasting a partners semen, while others feel uncomfortable doing so. For example, using a condom will prevent semen from entering the mouth after ejaculation. 1. (n.d.). The heartbroken fiance of a journalist who was shot dead while broadcasting is fundraising to have his baby via IVF after she ordered doctors to harvest his sperm on the night he died.. Casey . Semen analysis and sperm function tests: How much to test? Masturbation does not minimize the total sperm count. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But just as food can change the way a persons sweat or skin smells, it can also temporarily change the smell of semen. Multiple factors are responsible for the bathed smell of sperm. You might have heard that eating certain foods can change the smell of semen. The answer depends on a number of things, but the most important is where the sperm are located. If you think about it, this is kind of like what we do to our feet, keeping them confined in socks and shoes all dayand it's common for feet to smell. Learn more about the causes and treatment, Ejaculating multiple times per day, living with certain medical conditions, and having nutritional deficiencies can all cause watery semen. "Semen can typically have a slight ammonia or bleach-like odor," Dr. Reitano added. Anecdotally, some people believe that fruits, such as citrus fruits and pineapple, may improve the flavor of semen. For whatever reason, semen seems to be the latest trend in skincare. It is essential for sexual partners to undergo regular testing for STIs. Although many people insist that certain foods change the taste of their semen, there is no conclusive research to confirm this link. "If the actual nutritional elements are addedmeaning all the fats, proteins, and carbohydratesthen a teaspoonful of semen may provide little more than a few calories of nutrition.". Semen and sperm may have various smells and here are the details: The normal smell of sperm is much like bleach or chlorine, which may be picked up in hospital, swimming pools, laundry room, etc. But it's also a key adult skill. Knowing "What does sperm smell like?" Modifying dietWhen sperm dies, it soon dries out and gets crusty with a light filmy covering. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. "The quantity of actual nutritional components is tiny," Dr. Reitano said, and most of semen is simply water. The effects of cigarette smoking on male fertility. is not enough. Phallosan Forte is a penis extender said to be a solution for erectile dysfunction. Sometimes this happens when a man eats spicy foods or drinks alcohol. The body reabsorbs any sperm that does not leave the body. So, if you are wondering why does sperm smell like fish Try following these tips to avoid fishy smell in sperms: Fishy smelling is a bad problem. "But there's another kind of sweat gland called an apocrine gland, which are larger, secrete additional compounds like proteins and fats, and they are largely responsible for body odor.". Semen enters the uterus within minutes of ejaculation. Many factors, including environment, your. With advances in medicine and technology, there are now treatments available that work well and do no harm. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Talking about semen with your healthcare provider may be uncomfortable, but don't let discomfort get in the way of your good health.
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