That Smell After Sex – What Does Sex Actually Smell Like?

Does sex give off a distinct scent? Most people would say yes, and plenty can tell when someone has recently had sex just by walking into a room. But ask someone to describe exactly what sex smells like, and you’ll get all kinds of different answers — or a shrug, because it’s genuinely hard to pin down.

Part of the reason is that sex tends to smell like a blend of different things, some of which don’t map neatly onto any other familiar scent. Keep reading to find out what sex smells like and the science behind each of those notes.

What Sex Smells Like

So what does sex actually smell like? There are a handful of scents you can pretty much count on.

1. Sweat

Work up a sweat during sex, and that salty scent can fill the room. Some people simply sweat more, or more pungently, than others. If you were already sweaty beforehand — say, from a workout — you’ll likely notice it even more.

Interesting fact: men’s and women’s sweat contains different compounds. Men’s sweat tends to smell more cheesy, while women’s leans more oniony.

2. Body Odor

Once sweat evaporates, body odor is what lingers, so it makes sense that sex can smell a bit like an unwashed armpit. If you or your partner could use a shower, the smell may be stronger. Certain areas — the butt, testicles, or taint — are notorious for stronger odor, so give those spots a scrub even if a full shower isn’t possible beforehand.

People carrying extra weight tend to have a stronger natural scent, even with good hygiene habits, so a pre-sex shower can be especially worthwhile if that applies to you.

Side note: Try these 12 great sex positions in the shower next time you’re both in there together, or check out these 12 sex positions for larger bodies.

One specific type of body odor is that funky, cheesy smell that can build up in skin folds — around the vulva or even the belly button. To keep that from becoming noticeable during sex, be sure to clean and thoroughly dry those areas.

Read: The best treatment for vaginal odor

3. Fecal Matter

This connects to the point above. You’d be amazed how many men skip washing their butt and balls properly. It becomes obvious the moment you go down on one (blow job tips here) — that familiar, faintly poopy note that’s a mix of sweat and residual fecal matter.

That same smell is a risk during anal play too. A shower plus a lukewarm anal douche over the toilet clears out most of it, but the risk never fully disappears.

Learn more in our guide to prepping for anal sex.

4. Blood or Metal

Your cycle can also shape how sex smells. Having sex during your period — which is perfectly fine to do — can add a metallic note, something many people compare to the smell of a roll of pennies.

Either way, sex tends to spread that blood around and intensify the scent. It isn’t inherently bad, just not always the most pleasant.

6. Ejaculate

Sex between a man and a woman almost always carries the scent of ejaculate. If your partner finishes in or on you, especially if it has time to soak into the sheets, you’ll likely pick up a sour or salty note — sometimes described as musky or meaty. That’s semen for you.

Related: What Does Cum Taste Like?

The intensity varies a lot by person. A dehydrated partner’s semen tends to taste and smell less pleasant. But because semen is alkaline [1] [2] [3], it always carries a characteristic smell and flavor. And since the vagina is naturally acidic [4] [5], semen entering it creates its own distinct musk.

7. Rubber

Using condoms can add a latex note to the mix. Not all condoms are latex, though — if you dislike that smell, or you’re allergic to latex, try a latex-free alternative like the female condom, made of nitrile [6].

8. Fish

Sex shouldn’t smell fishy, and neither should your vagina in general. If it does, you’re probably dealing with bacterial vaginosis. Read more in this post about BV.

In reality, sex is almost always a blend of these scents at once, which is exactly why it’s hard to give a single, tidy answer to what it smells like. Your unique body chemistry mixing with a specific partner’s can also mean sex smells noticeably different from one partner to another.

Certain conditions intensify things — an unplanned quickie (discover the art of pleasure in 15 minutes or less) or a hot summer day with no AC will both make the smell stronger. Most men won’t be bothered, though it can still trigger self-consciousness if you’re worried about how you smell.

Check out this post about sexual anxiety for ways to ease that worry.

How to Make Sex Smell Better

Some smells are simply unavoidable with sex. Even squeaky clean partners can end up with a scent afterward that most wouldn’t call pleasant. Here are a few ways to soften it.

• Light a candle or burn some incense while you’re at it — just keep it somewhere it won’t get knocked over by flailing limbs or a curious pet.
• Reach for scented products like massage oil or lube. Flavored or scented lube is great for oral sex, though anything containing sugar risks triggering a yeast infection.
• Give your sheets a spritz of fabric refresher.
• Keep a bowl of potpourri or fresh flowers nearby.
• Some women eat pineapple a few hours beforehand — these women say pineapple improves the taste and smell of their vagina.

Sometimes masking efforts backfire. If you’ve ever sprayed air freshener onto a bad smell and made it somehow worse, you already know what we mean.

Your best bet is starting clean — clean bodies, clean sheets. Good hygiene does most of the work in keeping unwanted odors at bay.

Fresh, crisp sheets feel great to slide into. Not every partner will notice your bedding, but the ones who do will appreciate that you keep things tidy.

Smelling Your Best Before Sex

Stay hydrated. It might seem unrelated to smell, but bodily fluids like semen, sweat, and urine all carry a milder scent when you’re well hydrated. Plus, drinking enough water benefits your skin and overall health anyway.

A shower beforehand is another smart move. It lowers the odds that either of you will be the source of unwanted odor, and showering together can double as foreplay. Afterward, you can relax knowing you smell — and taste — good.

Showering beforehand also helps your partner smell better, though there may be times you need to gently suggest he clean up more thoroughly. Not everyone is aware of their own body odor, so this can be an awkward conversation. Our tips on discussing sensitive sex topics can help you approach it well.

If you’re showering alone, take time to rinse thoroughly between your folds. Scented products aren’t necessary — or advisable — around the vagina, since it’s naturally self-cleaning. Douches and vaginal washes can actually cause infections that introduce a whole new odor problem. Plain water is really all you need to feel clean and fresh.

More tips to make your vagina smell and taste good.

No time to shower? A wet wipe or washcloth usually does the job. Stash some in your bag or sex kit alongside condoms if you’re staying over somewhere. Let yourself air dry, since wipes can leave a lingering smell or taste behind — better than body odor, sure, but nobody wants to taste like a baby wipe either.

Finish with your go-to perfume or body spray. If you wear a specific scent just for sex, your partner will start associating that fragrance with pleasure and arousal.

Read: How to Smell Good and Drive Him Wild

Do Condoms Help With Smell?

Even setting aside pregnancy or STI concerns, condoms can help keep sex tidier and less pungent. Finishing into a condom means a smaller wet spot on the sheets (no more arguing over who sleeps in it), keeps the smell of semen from lingering in the air, and spares you the awkward penguin-waddle to the bathroom for cleanup. You know the walk we mean.

Yes, sex can smell strange, even unpleasant sometimes. That doesn’t mean you should shy away from it or spiral into self-consciousness. Just take a moment to freshen up beforehand. And if things smell a little off occasionally, take a breath and let it go — it’s really not a big deal.

October 25, 2020