Sperm: Nature's Laxative?

There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet about whether or not sperm can act as a laxative. Some sources claim that it is the nerves, taste, or exposure to fecal matter that can cause diarrhea, while others claim that it is the proteins in the semen that can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. However, according to a study from Columbia University, semen consists of fructose sugar, water, and a variety of other proteins, none of which are considered to have laxative properties.

Sperm allergy and laxative effects

Semen allergy, or human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP), is a rare allergic reaction to the proteins found in most men's sperm. Symptoms of HSP can be localised to the area of contact or affect the whole body. Localised symptoms include itching, burning, and hives, while whole-body reactions can include respiratory distress, severe fatigue, intense warmth, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

HSP is more common in women, with research suggesting that it affects around 8% of females in the United States, or approximately 40,000 women. Symptoms usually occur within 10 to 30 minutes of exposure and can last from a few hours to several days.

While semen allergy is a rare condition, it is important to note that it can negatively impact a person's sex life and overall well-being if left untreated. Diagnosis can be difficult due to limited research on the topic, and symptoms may be similar to other conditions such as sexually transmitted infections or yeast infections. However, a doctor can perform a skin prick test or blood draw to help confirm the allergy.

Treatment options for HSP include the use of barrier methods like condoms, taking an oral antihistamine before intercourse, carrying an EpiPen for severe allergic reactions, and desensitisation treatment.

It is important to note that while semen allergy is a possible cause of diarrhoea after ingesting semen, there are other factors that may be responsible for this reaction. These include nerves, aversion to the taste, exposure to fecal matter, consumption of certain foods or lubricants, underlying medical conditions, or side effects of medications.

In rare cases, an allergy to semen may be the cause of diarrhoea after ingestion. However, the more likely explanation is that the diarrhoea is coincidental or related to other factors involved in sexual activities.

The Science Behind It

A study on rats found that the seeds of Pharbitis nil, traditionally used as a laxative in China, Korea, and Japan, had a laxative effect by increasing water elimination in the colon and decreasing the expression of AQP3 protein in the colon and HT-29 cells. However, this study does not directly relate to the effects of sperm as a laxative.

Semen composition

Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is a bodily fluid that contains spermatozoa. In placental mammals, semen is discharged from the penis through the urethral orifice during ejaculation.

During ejaculation, sperm passes through the ejaculatory ducts and mixes with fluids from the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the bulbourethral glands to form semen. The seminal vesicles produce a yellowish viscous fluid rich in fructose and other substances that make up about 70% of human semen. The prostatic secretion is a whitish (sometimes clear) thin fluid containing proteolytic enzymes, citric acid, acid phosphatase, and lipids. The bulbourethral glands secrete a clear secretion into the lumen of the urethra to lubricate it.

The Sertoli cells secrete a fluid into the seminiferous tubules that helps transport sperm to the genital ducts. The ductuli efferentes possess cuboidal cells with microvilli and lysosomal granules that modify the ductal fluid by reabsorbing some fluid. Once the semen enters the ductus epididymis, the principal cells secrete glycerophosphocholine, which likely inhibits premature capacitation. The accessory genital ducts, the seminal vesicle, prostate glands, and the bulbourethral glands produce most of the seminal fluid.

The normal volume of semen is generally about 1 teaspoonful or less, with an average of around 3.4 milliliters. The appearance of semen is typically translucent with a white, grey, or yellowish tint.

In terms of composition, semen contains:

• Amino acids
• Citrate
• Enzymes
• Flavins
• Fructose (2-5 mg per mL semen)
• Phosphorylcholine
• Prostaglandins
• Proteins
• Vitamin C
• Acid phosphatase
• Citric acid
• Fibrinolysin
• Prostate-specific antigen
• Proteolytic enzymes
• Zinc
• Galactose
• Mucus
• Pre-ejaculate
• Sialic acid

Semen allergies

A semen allergy, otherwise known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP), is a rare allergic reaction to the proteins found in most men's sperm. Symptoms typically occur on the vulva or inside the vaginal canal for women, and on the shaft or the area of skin above the genitals for men. However, symptoms may appear anywhere that has come into contact with semen, including the skin and mouth.

Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and a burning sensation in the vagina, and usually start within 10 to 30 minutes of exposure. While symptoms can be localized, they can also impact the whole body, causing hives, swelling, trouble breathing, or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Severe cases of anaphylaxis are possible, with symptoms including difficulty breathing, a swollen tongue or throat, dizziness, or fainting. If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

If you are experiencing unusual symptoms after coming into contact with seminal fluid, make an appointment to see your doctor. Be honest about your symptoms and clear about when they occur. Diagnosis can be difficult due to a lack of research on HSP, and doctors may mistake a semen allergy for a sexually transmitted infection. If you feel your concerns aren't being heard, ask your doctor to schedule a skin prick or intradermal test using a sample of your partner's semen.

Treatment for HSP aims to minimize or prevent symptoms by wearing condoms during sex and masturbation, or through desensitization processes. For desensitization, a diluted semen solution is placed inside the vagina or onto the penis every 20 minutes until the patient can withstand exposure to undiluted semen without symptoms. Consistent exposure is necessary to maintain tolerance.

Doctors may also recommend taking an over-the-counter antihistamine before sexual activity to minimize symptoms. For severe symptoms, carrying an EpiPen is recommended.

A semen allergy can make it difficult for some women to conceive, although it does not impact fertility. In mild cases, medication or desensitization can help ease symptoms. For more severe cases, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended, where the sperm is washed free of proteins before injection.

Semen and STIs

According to the World Health Organization, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from an infected donor to the recipient of a semen donation may result in acute infection and long-term reproductive complications or adverse outcomes of pregnancy, including infection of the offspring.

The bacterial STIs Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae can cause serious reproductive complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal infertility in the recipient, and ophthalmia neonatorum and pneumonia in the neonate. Therefore, tests for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae must be included in the panel for STI screening of semen samples.

Other bacterial STIs such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Group B streptococcus, and the genital mycoplasmas, including Ureaplasma urealyticum, have been associated with adverse outcomes of pregnancy. However, the frequent finding of these organisms in healthy individuals brings into question the validity of their mandatory inclusion in the screening panel.

Viral STIs such as cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex viruses, and human papillomaviruses can also be detected in semen. However, their presence may be more sensitively detected through antibody testing of the donor. Screening donors for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis by serology is uniformly recommended, but the value of screening either donors or semen samples for the viral STIs mentioned above is less clear.

• The presence of an internal amplification control to monitor inhibition is essential when performing nucleic acid-based amplification tests (NAATs) for STI screening in semen samples. This helps to flag false-negative results, which can have more serious consequences than false positives.
• Laboratories performing STI screening in semen samples must be accredited and subscribe to national or international proficiency programs for each screening method used.
• STIs in semen can impact sperm parameters and functions, potentially promoting male infertility. For example, several STIs in semen have been associated with poor sperm quality, decreased sperm concentration, and reduced motility.
• The implementation of screening programs for semen STI pathogens in infertility and STI clinics and in sperm banks has been proposed to help detect undiagnosed infections and reduce the risk of male infertility.
• Withdrawals during sex may not be an effective way to prevent STIs, as they can be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluid, pre-cum, open cuts or sores, and skin-to-skin contact. Condoms, when used correctly, are a good way to prevent the transmission of STIs.

Semen ingestion and health

Semen is composed of sperm and fluid, both of which are safe to ingest. However, in rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction after swallowing semen. This sensitivity is known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP) and is estimated to affect up to 40,000 females in the United States. Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually appear 20 to 30 minutes after contact or ingestion and may include difficulty breathing, itchiness, hives, chest tightness, and dizziness.

The nutritional value of semen depends on its volume and composition. A typical ejaculation of semen ranges from 1.5 to 5 milliliters and contains 20 to 150 million sperm per milliliter. In addition to sperm, semen is made up of water, fructose, glucose, proteins, and minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. These components support sperm function.

While semen does contain nutrients, most are not present in large enough quantities to have a significant impact on the body. For example, a 5-milliliter serving of semen provides only around 0.5% of the daily recommended protein intake and less than 0.1% of the daily value of minerals like calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. However, it may provide up to 7.5% of the daily value of zinc.

It is important to note that consuming semen does carry certain risks. In addition to the possibility of allergic reactions, swallowing semen can also transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Oral sex or swallowing another person's semen can spread STIs through sexual fluids or skin-to-skin contact. Additionally, swallowing one's own semen may transfer an existing STI to another part of the body, such as the mouth or throat.

Furthermore, the taste and smell of semen can vary depending on factors such as diet, health, and hygiene. Semen may taste bitter and salty to some, while others may find it sugary sweet. Similarly, its smell can range from bleach-like to musky or fishy, influenced by factors such as diet and hygiene.

In conclusion, while semen ingestion is generally safe and may provide some nutritional benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with it, including allergic reactions and STI transmission.

Frequently asked questions