If a mans sperm has a strong smell and the reason is not associated with a reproductive infection, there may be changes he can do to make the smell a little more pleasant for him and his significant other, if there is one. This may cause it to taste or smell sweeter. (2011). It often has a slightly ammonia-ish scent and can vary in flavor from sweet to salty to bitter. But semen that smells particularly sweet could be an early warning sign of diabetes. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 2011 Mar;22(1):23-8. doi:10.1016/S1001-7844(12)60003-0. If your semen has a foul or "rotten" smell, it may be the first sign of a genital or urinary tract infection. And is it just a myth that it's great for your skin? What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Semen is composed of seminal fluid populated with sperm cells. Tobacco and other substances can also potentially affect your sperm motility, count, and quality. Consuming any of these substances can. If a man is one of the lucky ones who do not smell sperm, then he does not have to worry about changing anything unless he wants to improve his health anyway. 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. The effects of cigarette smoking on male fertility. Swallowed semen is digested in the same way as food. Read our, How to Have Healthy Sperm for Maximum Fertility, Tip for Keeping Your Urinary Tract Healthy. "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." The ammonia and other sterile-smelling alkaloids in semen give it the bleachy smell. This type of leakage may explain the presence of white or yellowish semen inside the penis. Heres what you need to know about the appearance, smell, and lifespan of sperm. If you have any doubts or queries regarding the content kindly leave them below in the comments section and we will be more than happy to help you out with them. National Cancer Institute. Eating an increased quantity of fruit or drinking fruit juice can assist. The semen will then dry up, becoming useless. Wholesomealive is an online healthcare media publishing website. Sometimes this happens when a man eats spicy foods or drinks alcohol. Sperm production slows down as people get older, according to MedlinePlus. Less than that amount may not contain enough sperm for a woman to get pregnant. The bad smell of sperm can become a great problem for any individual it is prolonged and stronger. "It's confined in underwear, which is further confined in pants, and it probably doesn't move around that much," Dr. Bohl said. It includes eating mostly or all vegetables and being a vegetarian, which is hard for most people and is more commitment than they can make. Is It a Normal Strong Odor? All rights reserved. This can lead to the production of white or even black semen. Leslie SW, Siref LE, Soon-Sutton TL, Khan MAB. Diet can affect the smell of sweat, saliva, and other bodily fluids such as breast milk, so it makes sense to assume that diet may also alter the taste of semen. Additionally, gonorrhea can cause discharge from the penis that is green, white, or yellow in color. How Long Can Sperm Survive After Ejaculation? As semen is a bodily fluid, it can carry sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV. As the fluid and sperm dry, the chlorine-type smell sets in. Hydrotherapy can help reduce muscle aches and pains as well as ease tension caused by anxiety or depression. Odor from bad hygiene has the potential to make your semen and everything else less palpable. +1(415)-323-0836 (Whatsapps), [emailprotected], 2019 - 2022 wholesomealive.com. What Is the Likelihood of Getting Pregnant From Precum? Does Viril X really work? The best way to get rid of fishy-smelling sperm std is to drink enough water. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Unfortunately, semen allergies are possible, Dr. Reitano said. Another reason the penis might smell a little funky is because of where it spends most of the day. Other symptoms of PEE include burning sensation, pain, and urgency. Semen Without Sperm: What Causes Azoospermia? Keep your scrotum cool, because heat slows down the making of sperm. But if lots of it is present, then yes, it could definitely affect her. Why does semen color vary and what does it mean? Although semen helps sperm reach the egg, sperm only makes up 1% of semen. If semen volumes are consistently abnormal and you've been unable to conceive, you may want to consult with a fertility specialist. You need to minimize the intake of junk food as much as possible to ensure a good health profile. To know what std cause smell is not easy due to various organisms having a similar smell. A review of literature. The vagina is also slightly acidic. What about the calorie count? Semen is an important component in the reproductive system, and now you know more about what is inside of it, the nutrients it contains, the possible allergic reaction some people may have to it, and the role it plays in the reproductive system. "Foul-smelling semen can be a sign of an infection, possibly a sexually transmitted infection. doi:10.1152/physrev.00013.2015, Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF. Lasting changes to the smell of semen can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. With todays anti-retroviral drugs, people who are infected with HIV can expect to live longer than ever before. Read our. All of such things can affect the immune system and an individuals overall health, making his body work harder. If a person notices that a specific food changes their body odor, it may also change the way their semen smells or tastes. Speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Wholesomealive.com is reader-supported. As such, they may also affect your semen. The ampulla produces ergothioneine, an antioxidant that commonly develops in mushrooms. "There is less fresh air in the area and it is also more difficult for sweat and dead skin cells to fall awayit all basically stays pressed up against the penis.". There could be different reasons for the bad sperm smell. Low semen volumes may also be a sign of other medical conditions. But sometimes, things can get smelly. True, men can produce sperm throughout their entire lives. Certain foods can cause a stronger smell if you eat too much, even though they are still healthy. The good news is that most cases of hematospermia clear on their own without incident. On the other hand, a lower-than-normal semen volume (less than 1.5 mL) also corresponds to a lower likelihood of fertility. Semen is the cloudy, white fluid that is released from the penis during ejaculation. If sperm is frozen under the right conditions, it could live indefinitely. Male infertility. This may involve a procedure known as a semen analysis if there are concerns about fertility. Learn more. Aprocine gland. This chart can help you find the right fit for, How long can sperm live outside the body? Blueberries are among many fruits that a man can eat to help stay healthy and keep sperm healthy. Using antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in the genital area could result in side effects that include a fishy smell. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The big offenders that reportedly give semen a musky, bitter smell and taste include: The alleged items that may help make the flavor of semen a little more tolerable include: More tolerable, however, does not mean your semen will taste sweeter. Which Infertility Treatment Is Right for You? Typically, semen has a faint smell caused by a mixture of chemicals, such as citric acid and calcium. Your cervical mucus changes throughout your menstrual cycle. It occurs because bacteria that live in the anus and rectum grow too large and begin producing gas. A large amount of caffeine can cause dehydration in the body and is also responsible for acidic or more bitter sperm smell. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In August one of my teams cleared out, cleaned, and redecorated the house of someone who'd passed away. Women who have had the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and have recently given birth should use antibiotic contraceptives for three months after giving birth. When it fully dries out, it will become crusty with a white film covering. Spermatogenesis: the commitment to meiosis. For now, lets focus on the remedies to reduce the bad-smelling sperm: One of the effective methods to change the smell of sperm and make it better is to modify the diet. 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. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If the smell persists, you may need to contact a healthcare provider to find out if you have an underlying health problem. Semen analysis and sperm function tests: How much to test? Phallosan Forte is a penis extender said to be a solution for erectile dysfunction. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. For most people, the taste of semen is mild and inoffensive. It's also produced as part of digestion, so it can appear in semen. Probable Causes and Treatments! 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 pH scale with some common examples. Other lab or imaging tests may be ordered depending on your symptoms and the suspected cause. It also makes your body release more fluid than normal. Gonorrhea basic fact sheet. (2015). They found that people with low semen volumes were nearly two times more likely to have high blood pressure or heart disease than those with normal semen volumes. recent surgery on the mouth, nose, or face, exposure to chemicals, such as certain pesticides. Is There Any Benefit to Having Armpit Hair and Armpit Odor? However, 1 in 5 people cannot perceive this smell, which is why some men and women don't think sperm smells at all. Semen that stays thick may make it difficult for sperm to move. Factors that Causes Sperms to Smell Stronger The alkaline substances in it contribute to its bleach-like smell. (2016). Some people report a stronger smell that is similar to bleach or ammonia, which is normal. 2015;103(1):66-71. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.10.017, Kovac JR, Khanna A, Lipshultz LI. In many cases, the situation can be controlled by keeping a check on the food intake and overconsumption details. STIs may also be at work if the semen takes on a yellow or green color," Dr. Reitano said. However, not enough research exists to show a strong link between diet and semen flavor. Sperm cells are produced in the testicles. Can you possibly get pregnant from oral sex? Why Do My Ribs Hurt When I Sit Too Long? Why does it look and smell different sometimes? Men are considered infertile if they have too little sperm, so the tiny amounts that may be found in pre-ejaculate are extremely unlikely to result in pregnancy. Our mission is to provide easy to read and in-depth medical information. So what should a penis smell likeand is there a "normal" penis smell? Semenalso known as ejaculate, spunk, and a host of other, less printable nicknamesis fluid that carries sperm cells and is ejaculated from the penis. Drinking, smoking, and taking drugs could also cause a stronger smell in sperm. ", What is semen supposed to smell like? Your Frequently Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction, 13 Best Home Remedies for Premature Ejaculation. When it comes to penis size, most fall into the average range and the size has no bearing on what it can do or the pleasure you can give and get. Semen volume may impact male fertility. Morphology.This is an analysis of the size, shape, and appearance of sperm. (n.d.). Cowper's gland is a pea-sized organ that secretes fluids that function as a lubricant and helps neutralize acids to keep sperm cells alive. "If ejaculation occurs in a hot tub with chemicals, the sperm can live no more than a few seconds. Normal Smell The normal smell of sperm is much like bleach or chlorine, which may be picked up in hospital, swimming pools, laundry room, etc. Alcohol can affect your sweat, which in turn can affect your scent and possibly the taste of your semen. Not only will certain fruits cut out semens natural bitterness, they can also boost your physical health. Suppose a mans sperm smells abnormal, either fishy or something else. Semen with a pronounced yellow or green color maybe the sign of an infection. But does it really work? 3. ; Seminal vesicles are a pair of tube-shaped glands that secrete fluids rich in . Food, alcohol, coffee, and the other substances a person consumes can affect the chemical composition and taste. Diet can impact sperm quality and fertility. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If, for whatever reason, the sperm is not able to fertilize the egg, that dead sperm moves towards the uterus and disintegrates. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. When there is a fishy odor after vaginal intercourse, this may be a sign of an infection in the vagina. To be precise, it's the proteins in semen that trigger the allergic reaction, according to an overview from 2020 in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. For example, someone could detect a sweeter smell from the fructose at one time and a more salty odor from the calcium another time. Sperm is essential for reproduction, but it also carries some risks. Wet and slippery cervical mucus indicates fertility. A better understanding of the new "smelling" capabilities of human sperm cells may lead to advances in contraception and fertility treatments. Normal semen is slightly alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7.2 to 7.8. This one doesn't really need much explanation, right? Fournier gangrene. A new symptom of PEE or a symptom from another condition may arise suddenly. Sometimes it is even accompanied by the smell of rancid walnuts or almonds. Usually, it is whitish-gray, but any changes in the reproductive glands, or. Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by the cervix. In a Bath?" Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. You may notice a change in your urine color, especially if you havent been drinking enough water. Semen and sperm are not the same thing. Your body wont be at optimal performance without enough water, so your sperm may suffer. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Read on to discover the causes of change in semen color and texture, and what these may mean. Your partner might complain about having a fishy or foul unpleasant smell. Talking about semen with your healthcare provider may be uncomfortable, but don't let discomfort get in the way of your good health. 2017;27(12):5236-43. doi:10.1007/s00330-017-4905-x. Generally speaking, heavy alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on your sperm motility, quality, and quantity. So, try to avoid having an excessive amount of garlic. Both of these factors can increase and adversely affect a persons sense of taste. Likewise, foods that tend to change the appearance or smell of other bodily fluids, such as asparagus, may also change the taste of semen. Sperm that don't reach the cervix won't last more than a few hours due to the acidic vaginal conditions. The process begins in the epididymis, where sperm mature. ", University of Michigan Health System: "Male Infertility. Doctors call this seminal plasma hypersensitivity. For example, a strong foul or fishy smell can be a sign of infection or a sexually transmitted condition. First, sweat glands. Alcohol can cause serious damage to your liver by causing fatty deposits that clog your arteries. The smell of semen can change if it mixes with other substances, such as urine or sweat. As with alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and other substances like drugs are thought to contribute to smellier sweat. Other drinks that contain caffeine including black teas and sodas can also make the situation worse. However, sperm can live inside the body of a woman for about 3-5 days. J Endocrinol Invest. "If it is deposited into the air and onto a hard surface, it will live until the semen is dry. Remember that sperm does not smell as bad when it is fresh. I mean soap and h20. To get to the egg, the sperm is carried along by fluid that's produced by different male sex organs. While this may seem alarming, the condition (called hematospermia) is usually not serious. HRT is not a substitute for birth control and should never be assumed to be such. This can be just as pleasurable but may help new sexual partners or people uncomfortable with semen feel more confident. Memory usage: 64964.0KB. 2019;60(2):127-132. doi:10.4111/icu.2019.60.2.127. It is a major reason for a man to ensure to ejaculate at least twice a week, if not much frequent, especially if his girlfriend or wife wants his sperm not to smell as bad. What Are the Benefits of a Prostate Massage? Changes in taste can be another sign of an underlying medical condition. But what exactly causes fishy smelling sperm? Talking about sex can be awkward. Fishy smell: A fishy smell is an unusual smell. Many spas offer hydrotherapy, an alternative form of spa therapy where heated water is used to relax muscles and stimulate blood flow. Chiari Malformation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, It Hurts to Eat After Endoscopy? Your body cannot filter out the toxins if you do not drink enough water, which may leave higher amounts of products that make your sperm smell more strongly. A 2012 review of studies publishedin the Journal of Andrologysuggests the average volume is 3.4 milliliters (mL). 2. It is said if you add sweet fruits into your diet, your ejaculation smells differently. But, no known contracept. When this happens, you end up producing more urine than usual. Lingering Pain After Diverticulitis: Possible Causes and Treatments. Semen quality varies from person to person. When we have intercourse and he ejaculates inside, i make sure i go to the bathroom and clean up real well. You name the flavor, and theres a chance your semen will taste that way one day. Why are so many sperm released if it takes only one to make a baby? In: StatPearls [Internet]. You should visit your doctor immediately if you feel any discomfort or suspect that you might have caught something serious. Most men's semen will have a somewhat bleach-y, chlorine-y smell to it. We also take a look at what factors can influence taste and how semen can reflect a persons health. There are many natural remedies that can maintain a healthy vagina eliminate odors from abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal secretion and maintain vaginal ph. Semen analysis and sperm function tests: How much to test? Consistently low semen volumes may be due to a condition such as retrograde ejaculation in which semen flows back to the bladder rather than out of the body. You might be wondering if its normal for sperm to smell after drying out. Indian J Urol. To meet the waiting egg, semen must travel from thevaginato the fallopian tubes, a tough journey that few sperm survive. This is a similar pH to that of blood, and slightly lower than seawater and baking soda. Read on to discover the causes of change in semen color and texture, and what these may mean. It means that your sperm contains high levels of ammonia. Although all of these symptoms can occur together, its important to know when each symptom starts and ends. If your semen has a red or brown color, it may be a sign of blood. These include oysters, bananas, nuts, red or orange vegetables, soybeans, fish, berries, etc. What you eat and drink can change the smell of sperms. Phallosan Forte Reviews: Does This Penis Extender Really Work? Can diet help improve depression symptoms? ", So what's the point of precum? For instance, certain foods can cause changes in your sex drive and so on the smell and quality of semen. If you are experiencing discharge and it smells, you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). I think when the semen sits inside of us during the night, it starts smellin. And while it doesnt have a strong scent, it still smells fine. When sperm dies, it soon dries out and gets crusty with a light filmy covering. Research suggests having a higher-than-normal semen volume corresponds with a low lower sperm count. 2015 Nov;104(5):105160. The pH of semen may affect how it smells, and if the pH changes, it can affect the smell. 2017;40(11):1209-18.doi:10.1007/s40618-017-0684-0, Khodamoradi K, Kuchakulla M, Narasimman M, et al. "Semen can typically have a slight ammonia or bleach-like odor," Dr. Reitano added. Reprod Biol. Asian J Androl. Sperm can be frozen at extremely low temperatures (but not in the refrigerator) and survive for years. 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. Which sperm and pregnancy myths are true and which are false? 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. Stay away from any drugs and alcohol, including cigarettes. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Don't smoke or use illicit drugs, especially anabolic steroids. Ammonia is harmless; however, it can create a fishy odor. When Sperm Is Released During Anal Sex, Can It Result in a Pregnancy? It can also smell differently when it dries. Sperm can survive anytime from a few hours to a whole week inside the female reproductive system. "On occasion, a broken blood vessel in the urethra or prostate can make semen appear brown or reddish. People have described the flavor as bitter, slightly salty, sweet, or metallic. What Does It Mean When Your Sperm Smells Like Fish? Once outside the body, the sperm have a very short lifespan and will die by the time the semen has dried. To answer these and other questions, we talked to a men's health specialist, who shared some seriously fascinating facts. You may know it takes onespermand one egg to make ababy, but if you're like most folks, you might not remember much else about sperm from biology class. If the sperm make it past the cervix, they can live up to four days. Postgrad Med. Among the different factors, a few are listed below: Dehydration is the most frequently reported factor that causes a strong sperm smell. How many sperm do you need to get pregnant? Some men experience fishy smells during ejaculation, even though theyve had no prior issues with their semen. 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/. Eating mint leaves is also better and is capable of improving the smell. Altogether, these components make up semen. STD risk and oral sex CDC fact sheet. Some people may not even notice a smell. Sperm can live three to five days inside the vagina, just waiting for the egg to appear so they can fertilize it and do what nature intends them to do, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Hematospermia-a symptom with many possible causes, Chronic prostatitis and its detrimental impact on sperm parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Laboratory and clinical management of leukocytospermia and hematospermia: a review, Diet and sperm quality: nutrients, foods and dietary patterns. Some things can change the smell of semen, such as when it mixes with urine. "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.". Does a Healthy Penis Smell BadAnd What About Semen? Semen that has a fishy odor can be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease. They can cause many problems with the body, but one thing they dont do is smell fishy. 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. 3. If you are experiencing discharge and it smells, you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A persons sense of smell is closely related to their sense of taste. For those sperm that complete the trip, getting into the egg, which is covered by a thick layer, is far from a sure thing. Claire Gillespie is an experienced health and wellness writer. Her work appears across several publications including SELF, Womens Health, Health, Vice, Verywell Mind, Headspace, and The Washington Post. But this stuff packs a punchthere are nearly 20 million to 150 million sperm in an average milliliter of semen. Learn more about STIs and oral sex, including prevention methods, here. Anecdotally, some people believe that fruits, such as citrus fruits and pineapple, may improve the flavor of semen. It doesn't smell foul or pungent just distinct. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise, is also thought to help enhance your semens smell and taste, though the effects may only be short-term. Abnormalities like these should be investigated, particularly if the symptoms are persistent or worsening. Some people worry that the semen will travel into the stomach, and somehow make its way to the uterus or vagina, causing a pregnancy. Matthew Wosnitzer, MD, is a urologist specializing in male reproductive medicine and surgery at Yale New Haven Health System. Therefore, poor personal hygiene that results in a pungent body odor can lead to an undesirable semen taste. Broccoli, however, is a cruciferous vegetable, which some say may contribute to sperm smelling bad. There are other possible causes as well. 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 . If we were to have sex in the morning, i don't notice any odor thru out the day. Taking care of yourself physically is vital to keeping your reproductive system healthy. Certain lifestyle choices, such as drinking excessive alcohol, may change the makeup of sperm, possibly changing its flavor. 2015;127(3):338-341. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.1015928, Vasan SS. This mostly depends on whether it's inside a woman's body or not. Foods that produce a strong odor, such as broccoli and cauliflower, may make semen taste or smell worse. Diet plays an important role in our health and well-being. Last medically reviewed on October 18, 2020. When a person ejaculates, the body adds fluids from the prostate gland and seminal vesicles. 2011;27(1):41-48. doi:10.4103/0970-1591.78424, Mathers MJ, Degener S, Sperling H, Roth S. Hematospermia-a symptom with many possible causes. To sum up, the actual reason behind the fishy smell in semen is that the sperm cells undergo transformations during transit from the testes to the uterus; thus producing different odors that are detectable by the olfactory senses. Its also produced as part of digestion, so it can appear in semen. Dr. Bohl advised careful washing of the penis in the shower, and if there is any smegma buildup, it should be wiped away. "The clear secretion protects sperm from the acid environment of the urethra and the vagina, as well as lubrication to some degree. These foods are thought to cut down on semens natural alkalinity levels. A 2014 study in Fertility and Sterility evaluated over 9,000 males with an average age of 38. Here are more useful facts: As well as "What does sperm smell like?" It is possible to promote semen and reproductive health by: Semen has a faint smell that varies from person to person.