There has been a lot of curiosity surrounding the health benefits and implications of swallowing semen or using it on the body. It's important to note that semen is different from sperm, as explained by Thaddeus Mann in 1908. Semen consists of spermatozoa, also known as sperm, and a fluid called seminal plasma.
Semen is composed of two separate components: the sperm, which makes up about 1 to 5 percent of the semen, and the seminal plasma fluid, which is approximately 80 percent water.
Is it safe to ingest semen? Studies suggest that the components of semen are generally safe for ingestion for most individuals. Swallowed semen is digested in the same way as food, although some people may experience allergic reactions, which is known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP). However, these reactions are rare.
Is semen protein-rich? While semen is often believed to be a rich source of protein, the protein content is relatively small. In fact, protein constitutes only a small portion, about one-twentieth, of the entire fluid. Therefore, one would need to consume large amounts of semen to derive significant dietary health benefits from its protein content.
What other ingredients are present in semen? In addition to sperm, protein, and water, semen also contains various other components such as fructose and glucose (sugars), sodium, citrate, zinc, chloride, calcium, lactic acid, magnesium, potassium, and urea.
Does semen have calories? Yes, but not as many as one might think. Each teaspoon of ejaculate, which is the average amount produced at one time, contains approximately five to seven calories, roughly equivalent to a stick of gum.
Does semen have a taste? The taste of semen varies depending on the individual. There is no universally accepted description, as it can range from bitter and salty to sugary sweet. Some believe that what men eat can affect the taste of their semen. Certain foods, like celery, parsley, wheatgrass, cinnamon, nutmeg, pineapple, and papaya, are thought to make semen taste more pleasant, while others, such as garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, leafy greens, asparagus, meat, dairy products, alcohol, cigarettes, and coffee, may make it taste bitter or less desirable.
What about the smell of semen? The smell of semen can also vary depending on factors such as diet, health, and hygiene. It may sometimes have a bleach-like odor due to its composition, which is designed to provide a pH level suitable for sperm survival. However, a more putrid smell could be attributed to external factors, including sweat and dried urine.
Semen and its effects on mood: Research suggests that semen may have positive effects on mood. One study found that women whose vaginas were exposed to semen reported better moods, fewer episodes of depression, and reduced symptoms of depression. This may be attributed to various components in semen, such as endorphins, estrone, prolactin, oxytocin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and serotonin. However, it's important to note that promoting condom use is still recommended to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and these findings are not encouraging unsafe sexual practices.
Semen and stress relief: Semen's mood-boosting properties, specifically due to oxytocin and progesterone hormones, may also contribute to stress relief. Additionally, the presence of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, in semen may help reduce sperm impairment by combating oxidative stress.
Semen and pregnancy health: The positive effects of semen on mood and anxiety reduction may extend to pregnancy health. A study found that females exposed to sperm for longer periods, both before and during pregnancy, were less likely to develop preeclampsia. However, more research is needed to fully understand this correlation.
Tiredness after swallowing semen: Some individuals may experience fatigue after swallowing semen. This could be attributed to the presence of melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates sleep cycles, in semen. However, further studies are required to explore this phenomenon in greater detail.
STIs and semen swallowing: Swallowing semen, like any form of unprotected sex, can expose individuals to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Without barrier birth control methods, bacterial infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can affect the throat, while viral infections like herpes can be transmitted through contact. Therefore, knowing the sexual health status of your partner is crucial.
Allergic reactions: While not common, semen allergies have been reported in some individuals. Symptoms of a semen allergy typically occur within 20 to 30 minutes of contact or ingestion and may include pain, itching, redness, swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing.
Spitting or swallowing: The decision of whether to spit or swallow semen is entirely up to personal preference and comfort. It is essential to have open conversations with your partner about their STI status and evaluate the overall level of risk. Ultimately, only engage in activities that you are comfortable with.
It's worth noting that this article provides scientific information and a review of these important topics. The author, Prof. Nyarkotey, adheres to strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The articles aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific naturopathic therapies.
References:
- Einarsson JI, Sangi-Haghpeykar H, Gardner MO. Sperm exposure and development of preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 May;188(5):1241-3. doi: 10.1067/mob.2003.401. PMID: 12748491.
- Sharbatoghli M, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M, Bahadori MH, Salman Yazdi R, Ghaleno LR. The Relationship between Seminal Melatonin with Sperm Parameters, DNA Fragmentation and Nuclear Maturity in Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection Candidates. Cell J. 2015 Fall;17(3):547-53. doi: 10.22074/cellj.2015.15. Epub 2015 Oct 7. PMID: 26464827; PMCID: PMC4601876.
- Jen Anderson. (2019). 14 Things to Know About Swallowing Semen. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/swallowing-semen#stress-relief
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