One hypothesis for this is that substances in the semen adapt the mother’s immune system so that it accepts foreign proteins present in sperm, as well as in the placenta and fetus. In a Dutch study of women who engaged in oral sex and swallowed the semen, the researchers found that swallowing semen was associated with a lower risk of preeclampsia. Some of the studies into the effects of swallowing semen are described here. For this reason, scientists have begun studying the health benefits of semen intake, both orally and vaginally. Possible beneficial effects of consumption of semenĪlso present in the semen are mood-enhancing compounds such as cortisol, estrone, oxytocin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, prolactin, melatonin, and serotonin. Semen also consists of a variety of proteins that have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Other substances present in the semen include: Semen also contains more than 50 different compounds including hormones, endorphins, neurotransmitters, and immunosuppressants. The glands’ secretion contributes less than 1% to the overall semen composition. In addition, this clear secretion reduces the thickness of the channel that the sperm cells swim through and adds a cohesive, jelly-like consistency to the semen. The bulbourethral glands produce a clear secretion that helps in the mobility of the sperm cells in the vagina and cervix. This forms about 2-5% of the semen composition. At each ejaculation, around 200-500 million spermatozoa are released by the testes. The white color of the semen is due to secretion from the prostate glands containing enzymes, citric acid, lipids, and acid phosphatase which, taken together, forms around 25-30% of the semen base. This forms around 65-70% of the semen base. The seminal vesicles produce a viscous, fructose-rich fluid. Semen passes through the ejaculatory ducts and mixes with fluids from the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the bulbourethral glands. If there is a prolonged gap between ejaculations, the number of sperm in the semen increases, but there is no overall increase in the semen. The amount ejaculated can be as high as 4.99 mL or as low as 2.3 mL. It is estimated that an average of around 3.4 milliliters (mL) is ejaculated at one time.
The volume of semen released per ejaculate varies. Image Credit: Tatiana Shepeleva / Amount of semen per ejaculate During the process of ejaculation, the semen is ejaculated from the seminal vesicle in the pelvis, which is where it is produced. It contains spermatozoa and fructose and other enzymes that help the sperm to survive and facilitate successful fertilization. Semen is a bodily fluid that is secreted by the gonads of male animals.