The doubts surrounding sexual health are many. Shame and modesty still can with many people and prevent them from being able to clear their doubts with the doctor. In the worst cases, this causes conditions that could be solved quickly to become more complicated over time.
Sperm is the liquid that is ejaculated upon reaching orgasm and that serves as a means of transport for sperm to reach the egg. However, there are still many doubts about its characteristics. Wondering why sperm smell like chlorine? Is it normal? In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will explain it to you!
Table of Contents
Composition of sperm
Contrary to what one might think, sperm, male gametes, do not even makeup 10% of semen. It is the seminal fluid that represents the remaining 90%. However, not all men have the same levels, neither sperm nor sperm, although it is considered that between 50 and 150 million sperm per milliliter of sperm is expected.
Beyond sperm, sperm comprises many other cells, such as epithelial cells or lymphocytes. Here we explain what the composition of sperm is and where it is formed:
- Seminal vesicle fluid constitutes about 60% of the total semen, being fructose and water its two main components. In addition, it also has amino acids, potassium, phosphorus, and prostaglandins A, B, and E2.
- Prostate fluid: it constitutes about 30% of the total semen. The main prostate fluid components are citric acid, phospholipids, carnitine, and cholesterol. In addition, there are also enzymes such as fibrinogenase, fibrinolysin, phosphatase, and minerals such as zinc or calcium.
- Pre-seminal fluid is a fluid secreted by the bulbourethral glands and made up of mucoproteins. Although it can go along with the sperm, the reality is that it is secreted before ejaculation, and its function is to lubricate the urethra to allow the sperm to come out at a faster rate.
Why does sperm smell like chlorine?
First of all, you should know that you do not have to worry if your semen smells like chlorine. It is something familiar and completely normal. The reason that sperm smell like chlorine or ammonia is due to a component of semen, which is also found in other products: spermidine.
Its name comes from sperm, is because the first time it was isolated was through human sperm. This is a colorless liquid whose odor is very similar to that of chlorine or ammonia, which explains that sperm can have a chlorine smell depending on how much it is found in.
The truth is that spermidine fulfills many functions that can offer many uses if studied in more depth. This acts on the stabilization of DNA and has a role in the multiplication of cells. However, its most important part is for cell survival. That is why studies have already started to see to what extent it could be used to slow aging and prevent the deterioration of cells.
But not only do humans create spermidine; in fact, this is a product that can be found in many foods, such as cheese, processed meats, and some vegetables and fruits. Why do you think some aged cheeses smell like chlorine or ammonia? Spermidine is the reason.
How normal sperm should be
The fact that not much is said about it and people are shy about asking it makes most men not aware of what normal sperm looks like, the characteristics it must have, and what is considered abnormal.
On the one hand, it is necessary to say that each person is different and that specific characteristic may vary without this, meaning that it is an alarm signal. However, below we explain what normal sperm should look like [1] :
- Color: can vary from whitish to faint white or very light gray.
- Consistency: it should have a gelatinous texture and become much more liquid.
- Quantity: the most normal is to ejaculate from 2 to 5 milliliters, although it can be more or less depending on the person.
- The odor usually has an aroma similar to chlorine ammonia and can be sweetish.
- Taste: fructose gives it a sweet taste, although it can become more bitter depending on the concentration of urine or diet.
Signs of allergy in semen
As we have already said, not all men have the same characteristics in their ejaculations. That is why it is complicated to talk about an abnormality in semen. However, some warning signs in semen tell us that something in our body is not working well. We will explain them to you below:
- Color: If the sperm comes out red, pink, or brown, there is blood in it. This bleeding in the sperm can be due to some trauma or infections, and, in the most severe cases, it can be a consequence of cancer. If the sperm is greenish or yellowish and has a powerful smell, it is most likely an infection or sexually transmitted disease.
- Quantity: Each man’s amount of sperm ejaculated is a highly variable factor. However, if you suddenly start to ejaculate less than you usually did, it may be due to low production of hormones or obstruction of the seminal ducts.
- Absence of semen: the lack of ejaculation even with orgasm is medically known as retrograde ejaculation. When semen is expelled, it returns to the bladder and is subsequently removed in the urine. Among the causes of retrograde ejaculation are medications for prostate or neurological problems.
How to change the smell of sperm
The smell and taste of sperm depend on different factors. Some are not in our power to change them. However, there are others that we can take into account to change the smell of sperm. We will explain them to you below:
- The diet: It has been shown that the more vegetables and fruits you eat, the sweeter the semen will taste. On the other hand, consuming fat, drinking alcohol, and drinking very salty foods will make the smell and taste of the diet much less pleasant.
- Water: the less water we drink, the more concentrated the sperm will be. As a consequence, its smell and taste will be more pungent.
- Sexual relations: depending on the number of ejaculations you have, the semen will be one way or another. The more ejaculations there are in a row, the more liquid, transparent, and odorless the semen will be. The amount will also be less.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why does sperm smell like chlorine, we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.