| Revision as of 17:05, 30 September 2009 editJGabbard (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users53,454 editsm punct/sp← Previous edit | Revision as of 20:33, 30 September 2009 edit undoJGabbard (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users53,454 edits brackets, termNext edit → | ||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
| Semen is primarily composed of water, but has been shown to contain trace amounts of virtually every ] the human body uses, including DHA (an important ]).<ref>http://www.theriojournal.com/article/S0093-691X(0 | Semen is primarily composed of water, but has been shown to contain trace amounts of virtually every ] the human body uses, including DHA (an important ]).<ref>http://www.theriojournal.com/article/S0093-691X(0 | ||
| 4)00247-X/abstract</ref> It has somewhat higher amounts of commonly deficient minerals such as potassium, ] and selenium.<ref>http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/content/full/26/4/459</ref> | 4)00247-X/abstract</ref> It has somewhat higher amounts of commonly deficient minerals such as potassium, ] and selenium.<ref>http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/content/full/26/4/459</ref> | ||
| A tablespoon of semen contains approximately 20 calories.<ref>http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic112493.html</ref> One typical ejaculation contains 150 mg of protein, 11 mg of carbohydrates, 6 mg fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 7% US RDA ] and 3% US RDA copper and zinc. | A tablespoon of semen contains approximately 20 calories.<ref>http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic112493.html</ref> One typical ] contains 150 mg of protein, 11 mg of carbohydrates, 6 mg fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 7% US RDA ] and 3% US RDA copper and zinc. | ||
| <ref>http://www.healthmad.com/Men's-Health/Weird-Facts-About-Semen.263033</ref> | <ref>http://www.healthmad.com/Men's-Health/Weird-Facts-About-Semen.263033</ref> | ||
| The protein content of semen is roughly equivalent to that found in the egg white of a large egg.<ref>http://pinoyjetsetter.wordpress.com/category/nutritio | The protein content of semen is roughly equivalent to that found in the egg white of a large egg.<ref>http://pinoyjetsetter.wordpress.com/category/nutritio | ||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
| ==Health benefits== | ==Health benefits== | ||
| *]: Semen has been proven to act as a strong antidepressant in women.<ref>http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/annotate/node/350</ref> Women physically exposed to semen are less likely to suffer from depression. It is thought that the psychological effects of semen are a result of its complex chemical make-up, including several mood-altering hormones (], oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and several different prostaglandins, ], ], ] and ]). Because of these properties it has been |
*]: Semen has been proven to act as a strong antidepressant in women.<ref>http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/annotate/node/350</ref> Women physically exposed to semen are less likely to suffer from depression. It is thought that the psychological effects of semen are a result of its complex chemical make-up, including several mood-altering hormones (], oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and several different prostaglandins, ], ], ] and ]). Because of these properties it has been called, "Nature's Prozac."<ref>http://dir.salon.com/story/sex/feature/2002/06/19/semen/index.html</ref> The effect of semen on a male sexual partner (a receiver of semen) is not known.<ref>{{cite | author = Tiffany Kary | title = Crying Over Spilled Semen | journal = Psychology Today | published on September 01, 2002 - last reviewed on May 29, 2007}} http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200210/crying-over-spilled-semen </ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Raj Persaud | title = Semen acts as an anti-depressant | journal = New Scientist | 26 June 2002}} http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2457</ref><ref>{{cite | author = Gordon Gallup | title = Does Semen Have Antidepressant Properties? | journal = ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR | year = 2002 | volume = 31 | number 3 | pages = 289-293 | ISSN = 0004-0002 | url = http://www.springerlink.com/content/wrkl9lc5ueu43rh8}}</ref> These studies involved vaginal sex without condoms, however, the gastrointestinal tract is much more conducive to facilitate nutrient absorption than either the vagina or the rectum.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=Jwx-10FmsBUC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=vaginal+absorption+of+nutrients&source=bl&ots=dPj5dFD5Kq&sig=22xrqUAaJe-y9mEYmybJSIwKPvo&hl=en&ei=Zwk5Su7oDsvBtwfSy_jeDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1</ref> | ||
| *] prevention: Studies suggest that seminal plasma both prevents and fights cancer, particularly ],<ref>{{cite journal | *] prevention: Studies suggest that seminal plasma both prevents and fights cancer, particularly ],<ref>{{cite journal | ||
| Line 109: | Line 109: | ||
| *] | *] | ||
| *] | *] | ||
| *] | |||
| *] | *] | ||
| *] | *] | ||
Revision as of 20:33, 30 September 2009
Spermophagia, also known as seminophagia, is the ingestion of semen for erotic gratification and/or physical or spiritual benefits. Sources of semen are either human males or male animals. The most common way that swallowing of semen occurs is when fellatio or irrumatio are performed to climax. Spermophagia is engaged in by people of both sexes. Men may consume their own semen after masturbation, sex, or autofellatio.
Nutritional value
Semen is primarily composed of water, but has been shown to contain trace amounts of virtually every nutrient the human body uses, including DHA (an important omega-3 fatty acid). It has somewhat higher amounts of commonly deficient minerals such as potassium, magnesium and selenium. A tablespoon of semen contains approximately 20 calories. One typical ejaculation contains 150 mg of protein, 11 mg of carbohydrates, 6 mg fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 7% US RDA potassium and 3% US RDA copper and zinc. The protein content of semen is roughly equivalent to that found in the egg white of a large egg.
Health benefits
- Antidepressant: Semen has been proven to act as a strong antidepressant in women. Women physically exposed to semen are less likely to suffer from depression. It is thought that the psychological effects of semen are a result of its complex chemical make-up, including several mood-altering hormones (testosterone, oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and several different prostaglandins, epinephrine, dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin). Because of these properties it has been called, "Nature's Prozac." The effect of semen on a male sexual partner (a receiver of semen) is not known. These studies involved vaginal sex without condoms, however, the gastrointestinal tract is much more conducive to facilitate nutrient absorption than either the vagina or the rectum.
- Cancer prevention: Studies suggest that seminal plasma both prevents and fights cancer, particularly breast cancer, reducing risk by "not less than 50 percent." This effect is attributed to its glycoprotein and selenium content, with apoptosis being induced by TGF-Beta. A related urban legend parodied these findings and claimed that performing fellatio at least three times a week reduced the risk of breast cancer.
- Musculoskeletal support: Because of its hormone and mineral content, semen ingestion has other areas of potential health benefits which have not yet been fully researched. These areas include a possible role in musculoskeletal support. Spermophagia provides the body with testosterone, which is important to maintain muscle and bone strength. While women need a smaller proportion of testosterone than men, it is just as important to female health as it is to male. Testosterone reduces the risk of heart attack, protects against stroke, and can even treat diabetes. Testosterone is particularly important after menopause. When testosterone levels in the blood increase in testosterone-deficient women, bone density usually improves, and women generally report that they feel better.
- Preeclampsia prevention: It has been hypothesized that substances in semen condition a mother's immune system to accept the "foreign" proteins found in sperm as well as the resulting fetus and placenta, keeping blood pressure low and thereby reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Regular exposure to the baby's father's semen, especially orally, may help make a woman's pregnancy safer and more successful, because she is absorbing her partner's antigens.
Medical knowledge about the beneficial health effects of ingesting semen has been slow to increase. As late as 1976, doctors were advising women in the eighth and ninth months of pregnancy not to swallow semen lest it induce premature labor, even though it is now known to be not only safe, but beneficial.
Health risks
There is no risk in ingesting the semen of a healthy man. Spermophagia otherwise carries no major known risk other than those inherent in fellatio. Fellatio does carry some risk for HIV, however, HIV is inhibited by saliva and destroyed by stomach acid. Research has suggested that performing unprotected oral sex on a person infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) might increase the risk of oral cancer or throat cancer. The study found that 36 percent of the cancer patients had HPV compared to only 1 percent of the healthy control group. It is believed that this is due to the transmission of HPV because this virus has been implicated in the majority of cervical cancers. Other herpes viruses, not limited to cytomegalovirus, may also be contracted which increase the risk of cancers in certain individuals. Even if semen is cold before the individual ingests it, viruses can stay active for a long period of time once outside the body. Contracting diseases from oral sex is more likely if there are sores in the mouth.
Taste and quantity
One source has noted that "few women praise the taste" of semen. However, as with breast milk, the taste of semen can be altered by diet. Higher red meat and dairy intake may increase its generally salty taste. Asparagus notoriously causes bitterness, while parsley, celery, cinnamon, and many kinds of fruit (especially tropical) are noted to sweeten it. The semen of heavy smokers and drinkers tends to carry a more acrid taste.
The volume of semen ejaculate varies, but a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful is normal (5 to 15 mL), making 10 mL a rough average. However, the amounts can be double or more in cases of prolonged interval between ejaculations, or depending on the man himself. Younger males tend to produce larger quantities.
Cultural practices
Men generally prefer that their semen be swallowed rather than spit out because it provides a feeling of acceptance. Also, continuing to suck through the orgasm leaves him both physically and emotionally satisfied.
Several tribes of Papua New Guinea (including the Baruya, Etoro, Gebusi, Kaluli and Sambia) believe that semen provides sexual maturation among the younger men of their tribe. To them, sperm possesses the manly nature of the tribal elders, and in order to pass down their authority and powers, younger men of their next generation must eat/drink their elders' semen. This fellatio and seminophagia custom commences among prepubescent males and postpubescents.
Spiritual views
In the modern St. Priapus Church, consumption of semen in the presence of others is a form of worship. It is esteemed as sacred because of its divine life-giving power. Some chapters of the Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica practice the consumption of semen during the Gnostic Mass, composed by Aleister Crowley.
In popular culture
Semen ingestion is a subject in pornography, and humor in the popular media. References to seminophagia include:
- In the 2002 film National Lampoon's Van Wilder, when as a practical joke, Van and his friends replace the cream inside some pastries with dog semen and send them to Richard's fraternity, where the frat brothers begin eating and don't realize what it is until it's too late.
- In the 2004 film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, the possibly mentally imbalanced employee at a Burger Shack outlet hints to Harold and Kumar that he puts animal semen as a secret ingredient in the "special sauce".
- In the 2006 film Jackass Number Two, actor Chris Pontius drinks horse semen.
- In the 2007 film American Pie Presents: Beta House, Dwight Stiffler and the leader of the GEEK house, take turns in Russian roulette with gun barrels full of horse semen, during the games named Greek Olympiad.
External links
See also
References
- http://www.theriojournal.com/article/S0093-691X(0 4)00247-X/abstract
- http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/content/full/26/4/459
- http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic112493.html
- http://www.healthmad.com/Men's-Health/Weird-Facts-About-Semen.263033
- http://pinoyjetsetter.wordpress.com/category/nutritio n-facts/
- http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/annotate/node/350
- http://dir.salon.com/story/sex/feature/2002/06/19/semen/index.html
- Tiffany Kary, "Crying Over Spilled Semen", Psychology Today
{{citation}}: Text "published on September 01, 2002 - last reviewed on May 29, 2007" ignored (help) http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200210/crying-over-spilled-semen - Raj Persaud. "Semen acts as an anti-depressant". New Scientist.
{{cite journal}}: Text "26 June 2002" ignored (help) http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2457 - Gordon Gallup (2002), "Does Semen Have Antidepressant Properties?", ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR, 31: 289–293, ISSN 0004-0002
{{citation}}: Text "number 3" ignored (help) - http://books.google.com/books?id=Jwx-10FmsBUC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=vaginal+absorption+of+nutrients&source=bl&ots=dPj5dFD5Kq&sig=22xrqUAaJe-y9mEYmybJSIwKPvo&hl=en&ei=Zwk5Su7oDsvBtwfSy_jeDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1
- Muller, Melissa (2006). "Seminal Plasma Promotes the Expression of Tumorigenic and Angiogenic Genes in Cervical Adenocarcinoma Cells via the E-Series Prostanoid 4 Receptor". Endocrinology. 147 (7). The Endocrine Society. doi:10.1210/en.2005-1429. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Lê, Monique G. (1989). "Characteristics of reproductive life and risk of breast cancer in a case-control study of young nulliparous women". Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 42 (12): 1227–33. doi:10.1016/0895-4356(89)90121-2. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - Gjorgov, Arne J. (1978). "Barrier contraceptive practice and male infertility as related factors to breast cancer in married women". Medical Hypotheses. 4 (2): 79–88. doi:10.1016/0306-9877(78)90051-8. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - "Fellatio Breast Cancer Reduction". Also at about.com Study: Fellatio May Significantly Decrease the Risk of Breast Cancer in Women }}
- http://www.managingmenopause.org.au/content/view/69/111/
- http://www.aphroditewomenshealth.com/news/20020311214759_health_news.shtml
- http://www.managingmenopause.org.au/content/view/69/111/
- http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=1340021
- Sandra Margot, Tonianne Robino. The Pregnant Couple's Guide to Sex, Romance, and Intimacy. pp. 122–123.
- http://www.factbites.com/topics/Semen-swallowing
- Rosenthal, Sara. The Gynecological Sourcebook, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003, ISBN 0071402799 p151
- http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/citation/116/6/635
- http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/SafeSex/Archive/Other/Q188582.html
- http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news/Oral-Sex-Linked-To-Mouth-Cancer-Risk-5772-1/
- Staines, L. What women want Rodale, 2000, ISBN 1579540937, p.236
- http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/electronic-publications/stay-free/10/semen.htm | "The Taste Below the Waist"
- http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/17/9/2468
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/17417011/5-Reasons-to-Swallow-Your-Mans-Semen
- http://www.themanschoice.com/Semenex.html
- http://www.gettingit.com/article/56
- J. Gordon Melton (1996, 5th ed.). Encyclopedia of American Religions (Detroit, Mich.: Gale) ISBN 0810377144 p. 952.
- Gallagher, Eugene. Ashcraft, Michael. Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America, Greenwood, 2006, ISBN 0275987124, p.101
.svg){kind=small}