Key Highlights: 

• Fishy odor after sex can be due to various factors 
• The makeup of sperm and semen has a large role in smell 
• Your lifestyle, diet, and personal hygiene can affect the odour of sex fluids 
• Knowing when to get help for odd smells is key to your health 

Introduction 

We’ve all seen changes in our bodies at times, but when it’s related to sex, talking about it becomes awkward. However, certain issues are essential to be discussed for a good sexual health. In this blog post, we will discuss one such issue related to fishy smell after sex and the reasons behind it. From what you eat to some infections that can cause it, we’ll be covering it all. We’ll talk about sperm and semen, food’s impact on smell and taste, and the importance of good cleaning habits. We’ll also tell you when to see a doctor if the smell stays for too long. 

Why it Happens? 

The smell after sex at times is just your body’s normal smell mixed with your partner’s. Other times, it could be semen, sweat, and your personal care products changing the smell. Let’s look deeper into sperm and semen’s role in this. 

1. Sperm and Semen Composition 

Sperm and semen are not the same. Sperm are tiny male sex cells whereas semen is the liquid that carries them out during sex. Quite a few things are there in semen. It has sperm cells, food for them, enzymes, and more. All together, they make up the unique fluid needed for making babies. 

Semen consists of- 

• Proteins: They give power and structure to sperm cells 
• Enzymes: They break down things to give power for sperm to move 
• Fructose: A type of sugar that gives power to sperm 
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): It shields sperm from harm and helps them work well 
• Prostaglandins: They are like hormones that change many body processes and may change odor 

These components, along with bacteria in and around the vagina, change the smell of semen. This can lead to a fishy smell after sex. 

Trichomonas which is a sexually transmitted infection can give a fishy smell to the vagina or penis.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

2. Effect of Food on Odour and Taste 

Did you know that what you eat can change the taste and smell of sperm and semen? Changes in body chemicals and bacteria due to diet can cause this. Here are some foods that are known to impact: 

• Foods that improve taste and smell: Fruits, greens, herbs, and spices 
• Foods that worsen taste and smell: Flesh foods, dairy, onions, garlic, drinks with alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods 

3. Sexual Habits 

Anal sex can sometimes be the reason for a fishy smell during or after sex. The vagina and anus are close to each other. So, the smell from the rectum can mix with vagina fluids. The bacteria in the anus can go into the vagina during anal sex. They can cause smells and infections. The warm, wet area around the genitals and stool matter together produce a lot of odor-making bacteria. 

4. Personal Hygiene  

• Sweat in private parts and stool near the vagina can cause foul odor with sex. Not cleaning right can let odor-making bacteria grow. You must keep your private parts healthy to avoid the unwanted odor. 

5. Vaginal Discharge 

Vaginal flow is one more thing that can change odor after sex. This flow is key in keeping the vagina clean and healthy. The look, feel, and smell can tell you a lot about your sex health. Normal flow is clear or white and has a mild smell. If the color, feel, or smell changes, it could signal an infection. 

If it Doesn’t Go Away After a Few Hours, It Might be Something Else 

Usually, a fishy smell should go away on its own in a few hours or after a shower. However, there are times when it could mean a larger health concern: 

Smells to See a Doctor About 

If you notice any of these smells and think they could be a health issue, get medical help: 

• Fishy 

A fishy smell could point to a bacterial overgrowth or trichomoniasis. If the smell stays and has flow, itching, or sex pain, it’s best to seek medical advice. 

• Yeasty 

A yeast infection can make a bread-like smell. It can cause itching, pain, or white, curd-like flow. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider if this is your first yeast infection. Or if the infection gets worse or stays even after simple treatment. 

• Chemical-y, like ammonia 

A chemical-like or ammonia-like smell from vagina fluids might show an infection or pH change. It could also be due to not drinking enough water or having dense pee. Get in touch with your healthcare provider if you have more symptoms or don’t know why it smells that way. 

• Rotten 

A rotten smell may mean you have something stuck in the vagina. For example, a forgotten tampon. See your doctor to get the thing out and the smell will go away. If you have a strong, bad smell for no clear reason, it’s best to see a healthcare professional. 

Prevention and Care 

While some causes of fishy smell after sex can be tough to fully avoid, you can do many things to cut down the risk: 

1. Good Hygiene Measures 

Staying clean can help stop bad vaginal smell after sex: 

• Shower regularly and wash the vulva with water and mild, unscented soap 
• Don’t douche, as it can harm the balance of bacteria and upset the delicate vagina lining 
• Pat the vulva dry with a neat, soft cloth after bathing or showering 
• Change your underwear daily and after intense workouts 
• Wear light, breathable clothing, and choose natural fibers like cotton 

2. Vaginal Care After Sex 

You can also take care of your vagina after sex to prevent a fishy smell from developing: 

• Pee right after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the vagina 
• Rinse the vulva gently with warm water to remove any semen or vaginal secretions 
• Change into clean, dry underwear as soon as possible after sex (avoid staying in wet or sweaty clothes) 
• Use condoms during sex to cut down the risks of moving harmful bacteria 

3. Probiotics and Vaginal Health 

Foods with probiotics or probiotic supplements can help keep your bacteria balance healthy. They may help stop odor-causing bacteria growing in your vagina. It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. 

4. Lifestyle Tips 

Lastly, small life changes can also greatly cut down fishy smell after sex: 

• Choose airy clothing that lets air around the private part area (avoid tight leggings, slim jeans, and so on) 
• Eat a balanced diet full of fresh fruits, greens, lean meats, and whole grains 
• Drink at least eight glasses of water every day to stay hydrated 
• Limit eating fried, fatty foods, and drinks with caffeine or alcohol 

Conclusion 

In the end, it’s key to know that a fishy smell after sex is common. It can be due to many things. From what’s in sperm and semen to how you clean, keeping a good balance between healthy bacteria and bad ones is key to avoiding bad smells. 

Above all, knowing when to get medical help for strong or worsening smells is crucial for your overall health. By staying active and attentive to your body’s needs, you can ensure that you stay comfy, sure, and healthy all your life. 

Also Read: What to Do if Sperm Is Not Coming Out: An In-Depth Look into Male Fertility Issues

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

References: 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Statistics [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stats.htm 

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chlamydia – CDC Basic Fact Sheet [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm 

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Trichomoniasis – CDC Basic Fact Sheet [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm 

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaginal Candidiasis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital 

5. National Health Service (NHS). Vaginal discharge [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-discharge 

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Trichomoniasis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas 

7. World Health Organization (WHO). Cervical cancer [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer 

8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Basic Fact Sheet [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm 

9. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Probiotics for oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis: A review [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31112355 

10. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584 

11. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Genital malodor in women: a modern reappraisal [Internet]. [cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21964208 

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