Male sexual health is often not celebrated and that leaves common misconceptions and mysterious questions among a few.
We all surely know about semen but what is the difference between semen and sperm? What gives it that smell and taste? How many calories are there in an ejaculation?
To know the answer to all these questions and find more interesting facts on semen, then keep reading this article.
All About Semen
Semen, also called seminal fluid is a fluid excreted from the male reproductive tract that contains sperm cells, which are capable of fertilizing the female’s eggs.
It is produced from the seminal vesicle, which is located in the pelvis. The fluid is composed of mostly water, plasma, and mucus. It also contains sugars, proteins, and even some vitamins and minerals.
Semen appears to be a white, milky fluid that is released from the urethral opening of the penis. The primary purpose of semen is to carry the sperm and deliver them into the female reproductive tract.
What Are the 5 Interesting Things About Semen That Might Surprise You?
Here are 5 interesting things about semen that might surprise you.
1. Sperm And Semen Are Different
Semen, also called ejaculate is a whitish fluid that emerges from the male reproductive organ when sexual intercourse culminates.
It is also known as ejaculation and is capable of fertilizing the female’s eggs. Meanwhile, sperm is a motile reproductive cell that is not visible to the naked eye.
The male reproductive system creates sperm for fertilizing an egg.
The normal amount of sperm made during ejaculation is between 200 million and 400 million, which is about 2-3 ml.
2. Semen Contains Actual Nutrients
Semen is a complex substance produced by the male reproductive organs, which are mostly made of water, plasma, and mucus.
It can contain between 5 calories to 25 calories. One teaspoon of semen contains over 200 proteins and essential vitamins and nutrients.
Calcium, citrate, fructose, glucose, lactic acid, magnesium, potassium, protein, and zinc are some of the essential nutrients present in semen in small quantities.
3. Semen Has Antidepressant Qualities
Semen contains certain “mood-altering chemicals” like oxytocin, endorphins, estrone, and serotonin, that help to boost mood.
Several studies have reported that the chemicals present in the semen may help to reduce depression and suicidal thoughts.
Estrone and oxytocin help to elevate mood, cortisol helps promote affection, serotonin is an antidepressant, and melatonin helps regulate sleep patterns.
4. One Teaspoon Of Semen Is Released Per Ejaculation
The average amount of semen released during ejaculation varies from 1.5 to 5.0 milliliters. This is equivalent to ¼ of a teaspoon to one teaspoon. But this quantity varies from man to man.
Men usually produce the most amount of semen when they’re in their early thirties. Semen production tends to decrease as a man gets older.
If you’re producing less than a third of a teaspoon of semen, it might indicate underlying health conditions. Low semen volume can be a sign of low testosterone or diabetes.
5. Food Might Affect The Taste Of Semen
The taste of semen can vary from individual to individual. What you consume on a daily basis can change the compound composition which might affect the smell and flavor of semen.
Vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, garlic, caffeine, and alcohol may make semen taste or smell unpleasant.
Such foods are known to give semen a musky, bitter smell and taste. Pineapples, cranberries, cinnamon, celery, apples, and lemons might sweeten up your semen.
A Quick Review
Semen, also known as ejaculate is defined as a fluid that is discharged from the male reproductive tract, which contains the sperm cells that can fertilize female eggs.
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Semen quality plays a crucial part in determining any underlying disease in men.