Changes in Semen Odor: Dietary Impact and Health Concerns

Q: Changes in Semen Odor: Dietary Impact and Health Concerns

Hello： I remember that my semen used to have a disinfectant-like smell, but in the past two months (July and August, I had prostatitis), it smells somewhat like avocado milk. <br>Since September, I have adjusted my diet to include more boiled vegetables, whole grains, and primari

The smell of semen?

Hello doctor, I have a habit of smelling my semen after masturbation because I heard that a smell resembling rotten eggs could indicate an infection.
I remember that my semen used to have a disinfectant smell, but recently, over the past two months (July and August, during which I had prostatitis), it has started to smell somewhat like avocado milk.
Since September, I have adjusted my diet to include more boiled vegetables and whole grains, with beef slices or chicken breast as my main protein source, and I usually don't eat fruits.
I have lost nearly 10 kilograms over the past year, whereas my previous diet consisted of more meat and normal vegetable intake, with frequent consumption of fried foods.
I would like to ask if the change in the smell of my semen could be due to my dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
I have also heard that a sweet smell in semen could be related to diabetes, but I had a blood test two months ago, and my fasting blood sugar was 84 (with the standard being below 100), and I don't seem to have any symptoms of diabetes.
Thank you for your help.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/23

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: I remember that my semen used to have a disinfectant-like smell, but in the past two months (July and August, I had prostatitis), it smells somewhat like avocado milk.
Since September, I have adjusted my diet to include more boiled vegetables, whole grains, and primarily beef or chicken breast as protein, while I usually don't eat fruit.
I have lost about 10 kilograms in the past year.
Previously, my diet consisted of more meat and normal vegetable intake, with frequent consumption of fried foods.
I would like to ask the doctor if the change in the smell of my semen could be due to dietary and lifestyle adjustments? --> It is possible.
Please consult a physician for guidance on rapid weight loss.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/11/23

More Info

Changes in the odor of semen can indeed be influenced by various factors, including diet, hydration, and overall health. The fact that you have noticed a change in the smell of your semen, particularly after adjusting your diet and lifestyle, is quite significant and worth discussing.

Firstly, it's important to understand that semen is composed of sperm and seminal fluid, which is produced by the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands. The composition of this fluid can be affected by what you eat and drink. For instance, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as you have recently adopted, can lead to a more neutral or even sweet odor due to the presence of natural sugars and other compounds. Conversely, a diet high in red meat and processed foods can contribute to a stronger, more pungent odor.

The change you described, where your semen now has a smell reminiscent of "avocado milk," could be attributed to your increased intake of vegetables and lean proteins, which may alter the chemical composition of your seminal fluid. Additionally, hydration plays a crucial role; adequate water intake can dilute the concentration of substances in your semen, potentially leading to a milder odor.

Regarding your concern about the "rotten egg" smell, which is often associated with infections, it's essential to consider other symptoms that may accompany such a change. If you were experiencing prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), this could also affect the odor of your semen. Infections can lead to changes in the pH and composition of seminal fluid, resulting in unusual smells. However, since you mentioned that your blood sugar levels are normal and you have no symptoms of diabetes, it seems less likely that the sweet smell you mentioned is related to that condition.

It's also worth noting that certain foods can impart distinct odors to bodily fluids. For example, asparagus is famously known for causing a strong smell in urine, and similar effects can occur with semen. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic and onions, can also contribute to a more pungent odor.

In summary, the changes in the odor of your semen are likely related to your dietary adjustments and overall health. If you have no other symptoms of infection, such as pain, discomfort, or unusual discharge, it may not be a cause for concern. However, if you continue to notice significant changes in odor or if you experience any discomfort, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They can perform tests to rule out any underlying infections or conditions that may be affecting your prostate or seminal fluid.
Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and monitoring any changes in your body can help you manage your health effectively. If you have any further concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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