Many myths have been circulated around semen over the years that just couldn’t be any more wrong. Whether it be misinformation passed down generation to generation, or assumptions made without proper research, it’s especially important to dispel these misconceptions now more than ever. In this article, we’re taking a look at the myths that just couldn’t be more wrong when it comes to semen.
- Myth: Semen Causes Pregnancy
The first of the many myths about semen that couldn’t be more wrong is that it can cause pregnancy. This is false for a few different reasons. For starters, sperm can’t swim through clothing or other barriers and would need to be placed directly into the vagina in order to even slightly stand a chance at causing a pregnancy. Additionally, the sperm cells would need to travel through the uterus and into one of the fallopian tubes to even slightly increase the chances of a potential pregnancy. On top of that, a female body will need to be ovulating for a pregnancy to even be possible. Therefore, there’s no way for semen to ‘cause’ a pregnancy — it’ll just increase the chances.
- Myth: Semen Causes STDs
Another myth that couldn’t be more untrue is that semen causes STDs. This too is false, and arises from a mix of people misunderstanding how STDs are both caught and transferred. It is true that many STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be transmitted through contact with infecting semen — however, this doesn’t mean the semen itself is the cause. In reality, those with an STD have a virus or bacteria already in their system and transferring this to another person is dependent on contact with the infected person’s sexually fluids — semen being one of them.
- Myth: Drinking Semen Can Get You High
It has also been said that drinking semen can lead to some kind of ‘high’, this too couldn’t be more wrong! This myth is possibly linked to the use of semen in drug paraphernalia and has been around for a long time. The truth is semen is just sperm, some proteins and other nutrients, and none of those can ever cause a ‘high’.
- Myth: Semen Is Good For Your Skin
One of the myths that could be considered particularly strange is the idea that semen is good for skin. While this myth has been around for a while, it is false as semen provides no lasting or beneficial effects when applied topically. That isn’t to say semen is inherently bad for skin — as any bodily fluid on warm areas can lead to breakouts — it simply can’t impart any lasting benefits.
- Myth: Semen Becomes Black After Having Sex
The myth that semen can turn black after having sex is full of misconceptions and is definitely false. There is an old wives’ tale that a man’s sperm will darken after having multiple sex partners, but there’s no evidence to support this. The truth is that semen remains the same color — white or off-white — no matter how much sex someone is having.
Are There Any Benefits to Semen?
Interestingly, there are some benefits to semen. A study published in the journal Human Fertility in 2014 showed that semen is a natural source of beneficial hormones such as oxytocin, prolactin, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. As well as this, another study from the same journal found that semen may also increase levels of progesterone and estradiol — hormones associated with fertility — in women.
What Are the Dangers of Semen?
Like any bodily fluid, semen can carry a risk of infection and should be handled with caution to avoid any unwanted consequences. Additionally, sperm and semen can carry a plethora of illnesses, including HIV and other STDs, if coming from an infected person, so it’s important to take all possible precautions and use proper protection if engaging in any kind of sexual activity.
It’s easy to start believing myths and rumors, but it’s especially important when it comes to something as important and sensitive as semen. As you can see, some of the myths surrounding semen just could not be any more wrong, and it’s always best to focus on the facts when it comes to this topic. While there are numerous benefits to semen, it’s important to also be aware of the possible risks and dangers.
