weird odor

Me and my boyfriend been having sex for 3 weeks now. He likes when I. Touch penis before we have sex and I realize that his semen has a weird smell it and its often left on my hands. I never realy thought much about the smell because I didn't really know about semens type of odor. The last time we had sex we didn't use a condom. My period came on the next day. My period was on for the rest of the week. When my period was done. I realized I my vaginal discharge has an odor and it smells just like my boyfriends semen! What does this mean? Could it be an std?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Sorry for the delay!

Normally semen smells somewhat like the chlorine odor of a swimming pool.  If your partner ejaculates within your vagina, the odor will be noticeable for awhile.
When women have bacterial vaginosis, the odor can be somewhat "fishy", especially after intercourse.  BV is not an STD, but is a mild, treatable infection.

It is always a good idea to have a checkup and testing for STDs when embarking upon a new relationship.  Your doctor can do the testing, which will hopefully be negative for any STDs.  

Hope this helps!

Dr B