Is Sperm Good for Depression?

Studies report that various chemicals in semen may help reduce depression when absorbed in the body.

Semen contains various chemicals, including serotonin, oxytocin, various other hormones, and several prostaglandins that may act as mood enhancers. It also contains melatonin, the hormone that improves sleep quality.

• Various chemicals in semen may help reduce depression when absorbed in the body through oral or vaginal sex, according to some studies.
• Additional studies have reported that women who had unprotected sex had a lower incidence of depression than those who used protection (condoms).

These studies, however, had their distinct limitations. Some had a small sample size, whereas others were based on animal findings, besides being of a shorter duration (lacking a long-term follow-up). These studies did not include homosexual partners.

Although semen contains mood-elevating bioactive substances, the risk of unprotected sex (unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections) cannot be undermined. Sexual intercourse per se has a mood-elevating effect. The added benefit of seminal contact with the body is questionable compared to the associated risks.

If you and your partner are free of STIs (based on medical examination and testing), are in a monogamous relationship, and plan to have a baby or practice effective methods of birth control, then it may be safe for you to have unprotected sex.

Some women may be allergic to semen or find it gross to swallow during oral sex and simply try to avoid coming in contact with it. Moreover, there are various safe, effective, and scientifically substantiated methods to control depression (such as counseling and medications).

If you think you are depressed, seek medical help to effectively control your symptoms.

It's not something we think much about, but there actually are some health benefits of sperm in a female body, including the following:

• Vitamins and nutrients: While semen contains protein, zinc, Vitamin C, calcium, and fructose, it's not enough to offer any real nutritional benefits, so you're better off getting those nutrients in your diet.
• Antimicrobial properties: Because semen contains semenogelins and enzymes with antimicrobial properties, it can help prevent infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.
• Reduced risk of preeclampsia in pregnancy: According to a small study, frequent exposure to a partner's sperm during pregnancy came with a far lower risk of developing preeclampsia compared with women who had shorter relationships and used condoms, but more research is needed on this finding.
• Better sleep: Research suggests a possible link between sperm and sleep quality. Sperm contains melatonin, which helps you sleep and relax, and higher levels of melatonin were associated with better sperm quality, although the data is unclear whether contact with sperm can help you sleep.

Semen or seminal fluid is released from the penis during ejaculation. On average, about 2 to 5 mL of semen is ejaculated at a time, which contains about 200 to 300 million sperm. The sperm contributes to about two to five percent of the total volume of a man's semen.

Other constituents present in semen include:

• Water
• Mucus
• Fructose (a type of sugar)
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Phosphorus
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Citric acid
• Amino acids
• Certain enzymes and hormones, including prostaglandins

Semen allergy (also called seminal plasma hypersensitivity or semen contact allergy) is a condition that causes an allergic reaction when coming in contact with semen. The condition exclusively affects women and is rare, with just 40,000 reported cases in the U.S. The number may be larger because people may not be comfortable sharing their symptoms.

• Semen allergy is mainly caused by certain proteins (such as prostate-specific antigen) present in the seminal fluid.
• Most women report a semen allergy after their first sexual intercourse, although some women may become allergic to semen later in life (such as after menopause).
• The allergy may cause localized, generalized (systemic), or mixed symptoms.

Symptoms of semen allergy typically start 30 minutes after exposure to semen and can last for up to several hours or days. A localized reaction typically causes itching, burning, and tingling sensations in the vulva and vaginal area. It may also cause swelling over these areas. In severe cases, there may be an irritating rash along with blister formation, affecting the vagina and vulva.

Some women may experience generalized or systemic reactions with or without localized allergy symptoms, which include:

• Generalized skin itching, redness, swelling, and burning
• Rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling over the face, lips, and tongue
• Dizziness

A rash after sex doesn't always mean you have a semen allergy, but it can be due to something else, such as a rash or allergic reaction to some other skin irritant (condoms, lubricant, spermicide, laundry detergent, soap, or vaginal contraceptives).

Very severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in some women may require urgent medical attention. Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe symptoms, including chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, or dizziness.

The greatest risk of ingesting semen is contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs you can catch through oral sex include herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

To avoid contracting an STI from oral sex, you can avoid it altogether, use a condom, or stop before ejaculation to reduce the risk of coming in contact with semen.

Look for warning signs in the color and smell of semen to detect potential issues. The color of semen should be white to gray with a faint scent or no smell at all. Red, yellow, or green semen could be caused by infection, medications, or even vitamins the person is taking. Foul-smelling semen could be a sign of an infection.

Always check with a healthcare provider if you or your partner encounter any problems after sexual contact or exposure to semen for proper treatment.

How does sperm affect a woman's mood?

In one study, women exposed to sperm during unprotected sex were found to be less depressed compared with other women who used condoms. Condom use was found to be associated with more depression. (Condoms are still considered an effective method of birth control and STI prevention.)

Is sperm good for anxiety?

Studies have not shown a causal link between sperm and lessened anxiety, but the act of sex generally can help relieve stress. Reaching climax during sex releases oxytocin, which lowers cortisol, a stress hormone. Sperm is made up of many different chemicals, including cortisol, serotonin, oxytocin, melatonin, and prostaglandin, but it is not known if these chemicals have any direct effect on a person's anxiety.

Why does sperm make me feel good?

While semen itself contains chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin that can make you feel better or even emotionally bonded to someone, it's quite possible the positive aftereffects have more to do with the act of sex itself or reaching orgasm rather than the exposure to semen, but more research is needed.

Does releasing sperm make you feel better?

When a man releases sperm through sex or masturbation, he releases "feel-good hormones" such as dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. Endorphins contain pain-killing properties, which means that orgasms can help you relieve stress, although perhaps temporarily. Not enough studies have been conducted to show the effect of sperm when absorbed vaginally.