Although semen helps sperm reach an egg, sperm only make up 1% of semen. The fluids that make up 99% of semen determine its smell.
This article will help you better understand the normal smell of semen and abnormal signs that need to be examined.
What does healthy semen usually smell like?
Semen often smells like substances with a similar pH (pH is a measure of how acidic a substance is).
Normal semen is slightly alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7.2 to 7.8. This is the same pH of blood and lower than that of seawater and baking soda. In addition, some people report that their semen has a slightly stronger odor, like bleach or ammonia, and this is considered normal.
Other substances present in semen can also affect its smell. For example, some people find semen to have a slightly sweet smell because it contains the sugar fructose. Semen also contains magnesium and calcium, which give it a slightly metallic smell.
Semen is mainly made up of water, so it is mainly a mild odor due to a combination of substances such as citric acid and calcium. Some people may not even notice the smell of semen.
Semen is mainly made up of water, so it has a slight odor, sometimes a bit sweet, even no smell. Illustration.
What is the abnormal smell of semen?
Sometimes it’s normal for the smell of semen to change.
Semen usually has a mild odor and the change in smell may be due to a change in perception. For example, a person may smell semen that smells sweeter at one time but may smell more metallic at other times.
However, significant or persistent changes in the odor of semen may signal an underlying medical condition such as a sexually transmitted disease.
Some semen odors can signal a problem:
– Very strong smell: Bacteria and other germs can change the smell of semen. If semen has a strong, foul odor, and the odor gets worse over time, it could be a sign of an infection or sexually transmitted disease.
– Sweet smell: Normal semen may have a slightly sweet smell because of the sugar fructose. But very sweet-smelling semen could be an early warning sign of diabetes. One study found that men with diabetes had more sugar in their semen, causing their semen to smell sweeter than usual.
– Smells fishy: The fishy smell of semen is considered unusual. Semen that has a fishy odor can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.
As semen changes in smell, taste also changes. This could be another sign of an underlying medical condition.
Factors affecting the smell of semen
The smell of semen can change if mixed with other substances such as urine or sweat. In particular, semen may also have a different odor when it dries. Dry semen usually has a stronger, more noticeable odor.
Changes in the pH of semen can also affect odor. The prostate gland can produce acidic fluid that adds to the semen, lowering the pH of the semen. In addition, changes in prostate function can also affect both the pH and odor of semen.
The vagina is a mildly acidic environment. When semen combines with vaginal discharge, it can also change the smell.
Does food affect the smell of semen?
There are currently no reputable studies that show that changing your diet causes lasting changes to the smell of semen. But just as food can change the smell of a person’s sweat or skin, so can diet temporarily change the smell of semen.
If you’re concerned about a temporary change in the smell of semen, it’s best to avoid foods with strong odors, such as fish.
Source: Medical News Today
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