Medical Implications Of Swallowing Semen, Sperm

Semen, according to medical experts is a mixture of water, protein, and a small amount of sperm. Experts affirmed that none of these components are harmful, and so it is considered ‘okay’ to swallow. As for those curious about its nutritional benefits, remember that a typical ejaculation can fill about a teaspoon and only contains about 5–7 calories. Also, the protein content in semen is almost negligible. So, if you want to experiment, go ahead with it.

Semen is a “viscous, creamy, slightly yellowish or greyish” substance made up of spermatozoa — commonly known as sperm — and a fluid called seminal plasma.

In other words, semen contains two separate components: the sperm and the fluid.

Sperm — about 1 to 5 percent of the semen — are the tadpole-like reproductive cells that contain half of the genetic information to create human offspring.

The seminal plasma fluid, which is about 80 percent water, makes up the rest.

Is it actually safe to ingest?
For the most part, yes, the components that make up semen are safe to ingest.

Swallowed semen is digested in the same way as food.

However, in very rare circumstances, some people might discover that they’re allergic to semen. This is also known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP).

Though rare, this sensitivity is something to be aware of in case you find yourself experiencing an allergic reaction.

Is it as protein rich as everyone says?
Despite its reputation for being a rich source of protein, you would likely have to consume gallons of semen to see any dietary health benefits.

Although the amount of ejaculate varies from person to person — depending on a variety of factors, such as age and health — protein is only a small part. It’s about one-twentieth of the entire fluid.

What else is in semen?

Along with the sperm, protein, and water mentioned above, semen also contains a variety of other components, including:
sugar, both fructose and glucose
sodium
citrate
zinc
chloride
calcium
lactic acid
magnesium
potassium
urea

If it has actual nutrients, does that mean it has calories?
Yes, but not as many as you might think. Contrary to popular belief, sperm isn’t highly caloric.

Each teaspoon of ejaculate — the average amount of ejaculate produced at one time — is around five to seven calories, which is about the same as a stick of gum.

Is it really a mood booster?

Potentially! There’s some research that shows there could be natural antidepressant properties in semen.

These may include:

endorphins
estrone
prolactin
oxytocin
thyrotropin-releasing hormone
serotonin
A 2002 study conducted by the State University of New York at Albany surveyed 293 college-age females to see if exposure to semen, without the use of outside condoms worn on the penis, affected their overall mood.

According to the survey, those who were directly exposed to semen showed significantly better mood and fewer symptoms of depression.

However, this study should be taken with a grain of salt.

What about stress relief?
In the same vein as the studies that show evidence for the natural antidepressant properties of semen, some believe it could also have stress-relieving properties.

This claim is due to the mood-boosting properties of oxytocin and progesterone hormones, the both of which are found in semen.

It’s also thought that vitamin C and other antioxidants found in semen may help reduce sperm impairment by fighting oxidative stress within semen.

Are there any other health benefits?

Maybe. Similarly to how some studies have shown mood-lifting and anxiety-reducing benefits, semen exposure could help with pregnancy health.

A 2003 case-controlled studyTrusted Source found that females who were exposed to sperm for longer periods, both before and during pregnancy, were less likely to develop preeclampsia, a rare pregnancy complication.

However, this is only one study, and more research is needed to support these findings.

Why do some people get tired afterward?
Semen containsTrusted Source melatonin, the natural hormone your body releases to regulate sleep cycles.

This may explain why some people feel tired after swallowing semen or being exposed to it during intercourse.

There hasn’t been any research on this, so there’s no way to know for sure.

Can swallowing put you at risk for an STI?
Just like any other form of unprotected sex, swallowing semen can put you at risk for an STI.

Without a barrier birth control method, bacterial infections, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can affect the throat. Skin-to-skin viral infections, like herpes, can result from contact.

Before you and your partner engage in any unprotected sex, including oral stimulation, make sure to have a conversation about when you were last tested or if you think you should get tested.

Culled From Healthline