This is what causes that distinctive after-sex smell

It's that simple.

Some people talk about the smell that lingers in a room after sex, others ignore it. Either way, if it's something you've noticed before, you probably want to know what the deal is. According to Women's Health, it's down to the combination of semen (high PH) mixing with vaginal secretion (low PH). Sara Gottfried, M.D., spoke to the publication and explained that the combination of a base and an acid creates something entirely different so simply put, the level of the PH after sex can drastically affect the smell. Another thing that can make a difference to that distinctive smell is the use of a condom. The rubber can create a unique smell particularly when it's mixed with sweat and the aforementioned varying levels of pH. So there you have it, mystery solved... Of course, if you start to notice an off-putting smell on a regular basis, it's worth visiting your GP in case you've picked up a bacterial infection of sorts.