Many people are curious about what semen tastes like. Because nowadays, many couples have oral sex, and many people even like this form of sex. Regardless of the method of sex, when reaching orgasm, men will ejaculate, so sometimes when having oral sex, men can ejaculate into their partner's mouth.
1. What does semen smell and taste like?
1.1. What does semen taste like?
Several types of fluids combine with sperm to create semen. Each of these fluids has different chemicals added, which affect the taste of semen. Semen production begins in the epididymis, where sperm mature. To create semen, sperm travel through the vas deferens and into the vas deferens for storage.
These tubes produce ergothioneine, an antioxidant that often grows in fungi. This can make semen taste a bit like uncooked mushrooms. It also adds fructose, a sugar that nourishes sperm and can give semen a slightly sweet taste.
When a man ejaculates, the body replenishes fluid from the prostate and seminal vesicles. Most of the fluid comes from the seminal vesicles, which add a variety of chemicals, including: Amino acids, citric acid, phosphorus, potassium. The prostate primarily replenishes citric acid, but also adds other substances such as: Zinc, calcium, sodium, potassium, and various enzymes. The taste of semen varies from person to person. Accordingly, most people describe the taste as a combination of:
- Bitter or salty because it is alkaline
- Sweet because it has a certain sugar content
- Fishy because it has minerals and vitamins
1.2. What does semen smell like?
Semen is mostly water, thin and has a foul odor. Many people do not notice any odor in semen. Some people may describe it as smelling musky, salty, or slightly fishy. When semen combines with highly acidic vaginal fluids, its smell and taste can change. If the vagina smells fishy after sex, this can be a sign of a vaginal infection, also known as bacterial vaginosis.
2. What factors affect the taste of semen?
What you put into your body on a daily basis, from certain foods to other substances, can change the composition of the compounds, which will affect the taste of your semen. That also means that the taste of semen can vary from person to person, so although semen is generally warm and salty, there will be unique differences in taste.
2.1. How does your diet affect the taste of semen?
It is known that diet can affect the smell of sweat, saliva, and other bodily fluids such as breast milk. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the taste of semen may be affected by diet. However, there is currently not enough research to show a strong link between diet and semen taste.
Foods that have been reported to give semen a musky, bitter smell and taste include:
Garlic
Onions
Broccoli
Cabbage
Leafy greens
Asparagus
Meat
Dairy products
Foods that are said to help make semen taste a little more pleasant include:
Celery
Parsley
Wheatgrass
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Pineapple
Papaya
Oranges
However , consuming these foods does not mean that your semen will be sweeter. These foods are thought to reduce the natural alkaline level of semen. The pH of semen is 7.2 to 8.2, which means these foods may contribute to reducing bitterness — not adding sweetness.
2.2. How does alcohol affect taste?
Alcohol can affect your sweat, which in turn can affect your semen smell and tastes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that alcohol can produce sour and bitter tastes, but this will largely depend on the type of alcohol you drink.
For example, spirits are thought to have a greater impact on taste than beer or light wine. In general, heavy drinking can have a negative impact on the motility, quality and quantity of your sperm. But little is known about how alcohol can affect the taste and smell of semen.
2.3. How can tobacco and other substances affect the taste of semen?
As well as alcohol, tobacco, coffee and other substances such as drugs are thought to contribute to more sweat and a more unpleasant smell. As such, these substances can also affect your semen. Consuming any of these substances can also change the taste of semen, making it more bitter, pungent, or sour.
Not only does it affect the taste, but drugs and other substances can also affect the quantity, quality, and mobility of sperm. In addition, research has shown that smoking can affect fertility.
SEE ALSO: The relationship between smoking and fertility.
2.4. Can your hygiene affect the taste of semen?
Hygiene really affects the taste of semen. If you don't practice good hygiene, things won't go well no matter what you eat or drink. Therefore, you should make sure to clean the area around your penis and testicles properly. Body odor caused by poor hygiene can make semen and everything else worse.
To keep your genital area clean, you need to:
Use a gentle soap to clean your genitals every day.
Applying body powder or moisturizer around the area to absorb sweat helps prevent odor.
Trim your pubic hair or remove it if that's your preference.
2.5. Some health conditions can change the taste of semen.
People with diabetes may secrete more sugar into their semen. This can make semen taste sweeter. Medical conditions that can affect the body's taste receptors include:
Respiratory tract infections
Ear infections
Dental health problems
Infections in the mouth or gums
Recent surgery to the mouth, nose, or face
Head or spinal cord injuries
Certain medical treatments, including radiation therapy for cancer and some antibiotics
Exposure to chemicals such as pesticides.
3. Can you change the taste of semen?
The taste of semen varies from person to person, but it will generally be warm, salty, and have a slightly chlorine-like smell. While there are no research-backed guidelines, practicing proper hygiene, as well as a healthy diet and lifestyle, can make your semen taste and smell a little different.
Adding more fruit to your diet certainly won't cause any harm. Some fruits not only help eliminate the natural bitterness of semen, but can also boost your physical health. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, including regular exercise, is also said to help enhance the smell and taste of your semen, although the effects may only be short-term.
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References: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com
