Is Swallowing Semen Safe? Are There Risks?
You’ve heard the rumors about swallowing semen. From “it’s high in protein” and “it can boost your mood”. To “it tastes like battery acid” and “I can get an STI from swallowing it”.
Just what the heck is the truth about swallowing semen? Is any of this true?
The answers to that: yes, semen is relatively high in protein, but you’d need to swallow lots of it to see any health benefits. It does taste like battery acid, although you might be able to improve its taste a little. And the big one. Yes, swallowing semen can give you an STI. Which is why you’ll want to have a conversation with your partner before going that route.
What the Heck is in Semen Anyway?
Semen is a man’s seed[1]. It’s a viscous, creamy or slightly yellow or grey substance that contains sperm and a liquid called seminal plasma.
To put it another way, semen is a liquid made of two things: the sperm and the fluid. Although with the former making just 1 to 5% of the actual semen, it’s mostly fluid.
Sperm are like little tadpoles. They’re your swimmers – and special ones at that. Sperm contain half the genetic information needed to make a human life. No sperm, no offspring. It’s as simple as that.
Is Swallowing Semen Safe?
Generally, yes. Semen is a natural substance. Both sperm and the seminal fluid are usually safe to swallow.
In very rare cases, some people have an allergy to swallowing semen. This is called human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP). It’s very uncommon, but if you find that swallowing semen leads to an allergic reaction of any kind, speak with your doctor immediately.
Also – and this is important – swallowing semen can lead to a sexually transmitted disease, like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Swallowing semen can also lead to skin-to-skin viral infections, like herpes.
To avoid this issue, you may want to avoid swallowing semen or having unprotected sex for that matter including oral stimulation. Just until you’ve had a conversation with your partner about when either of you were last tested, or whether you should get tested again.
What Does Semen Taste Like?
It’s not uncommon for a sexual partner to object to how semen tastes. While there is no single general taste for semen, it has been described as ‘alkaline, and slightly acidic’.
A man’s diet will also affect how his semen tastes. Some foods that may help make semen taste better include:
- Celery
- Parsley
- Wheatgrass
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Oranges
You may also find that a semen flavor enhancer, like SemEnhance, may improve semen taste.
On the other hand, some foods can make semen taste like, well, less-than-ideal. Foods that can make semen taste worse include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Leafy Greens
- Asparagus
- Meat and Dairy Products
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Coffee
Look, we get it, you need a coffee in the morning and a beer in the evening. It is cruel and unusual punishment to go without either of them. But if your partner is swallowing your semen, you may want to add a few flavor enhancers. You can do this through diet or with a supplement, to make it a little more palatable.
Can Swallowing Semen Really Boost Your Mood?
Surprisingly, yes. There is some evidence to suggest that semen may have antidepressant properties[2].
Yes, really.
A study conducted in 2002[3] researched the effect of semen on 293 college-aged women without a condom worn on the penis.
The result?
The women exposed to semen showed a significantly better mood and had fewer symptoms of depression.
With that being said, any kind of sexual activity will likely decrease depression symptoms and make the world look a lot rosier. Semen itself may not be the catalyst, although it likely doesn’t hurt either.
Bottom line? Swallowing semen might help your mood. There is little harm in swallowing semen from a psychological perspective.
Are There Any Risks To Swallowing Semen?
There are some risks to swallowing semen, although that can likely be decreased if your partner has been tested recently.
When you engage in oral sex without a condom, you may contract:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Human Papillomavirus
- Thrichomoniasis
You and your partner are at higher risk of STIs from oral sex if one of you has:
- Open sores around the mouth or genitals
- Poor oral hygiene
- Been exposed to the semen or pre ejaculate of someone with an STI.
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk of passing a STI to your partner through oral sex is quite low[4]. If you want to dot your I’s and cross your T’s, you can insist your partner wear a condom when doing oral. You can also both get tested for STIs often.
As we’ve already mentioned, a small population may have an allergy to swallowing semen. This appears to be alleviated when a condom is used.
A 2011 study suggests that gradual exposure to semen can help with desensitization and may significantly improve the problem in the few people who have it[5].
Bottom line, there are risks to swallowing semen. But you may likely reduce that risk with frequent STI testing, and simply wearing a condom to lower it further.
Swallowing Semen: Should I Spit Or Swallow?
That’s up to you. If you’ve both been tested recently for STIs and you don’t have an allergy to it, swallowing semen appears to be safe. It may even boost your mood.
If you don’t like the taste, you can easily spit.
Remember to tell your dude that he needs to watch his diet if he doesn’t want his semen to taste like battery acid. We’re not completely kidding when we say that. The good news: by avoiding certain foods and adding others, he can make swallowing semen a little more enjoyable for you.
And if that doesn’t do it for you, you’ve got another option as well.
SemEnhance: A Natural Semen Flavor Enhancer
SemEnhance is a natural semen taste enhancer. Yes, it is a so called ‘cum-flavor pill’. They do exist, and there is a good reason for that.
By definition, while it’s generally quite healthy, semen doesn’t really taste like Skittles. Certain foods may help a little, but if your dude drinks coffee, eats meat and/or drinks beer, it’s time to step things up a little.
What It Does: SemEnhance helps to make semen taste better. It’s made with a series of natural sweeteners that are known to make semen taste a lot more enjoyable. A look inside the SemEnhance formula reveals why.
SemEnhance Formula:
Pineapple – Long known as one of the best semen flavour enhancers, pineapple does precisely that. Here’s why: pineapple is highly acidic, which cuts down on the bitter taste that many sexual partners report.
Kiwi – High in natural sugars, this fruit helps to counteract the bitter taste that semen has. Kiwi can go a long way to make up for the little things that make his semen taste like, well, you get the idea.
Bee Pollen – A 2012 study found Bee Pollen helped improve semen quality.
Vitamin C – It’s no wonder vitamin C can help semen taste better. A 2017 study found it has a positive effect on semen, specifically, it helped to reduce oxidative stress. It may increase semen production as well.
Strawberry – Another fruit high in natural sugars. It cuts down on semen’s often bitter tastes. As a bonus, the lycopene in strawberries is linked to better sperm quality and motility.
Celery – Surprisingly, celery is a rich source of vitamin C. It helps to flush out the salty, bitter taste. Making semen more palatable.
A little of this formula and you’re pretty much guaranteed to taste like a champ.
Conclusion
Finally, there is one further thing we like about SemEnhance. It’s made by the same company that makes Semenax. Semenax is a semen-boosting ‘volume’ pill that gives men more semen to ejaculate and a longer orgasm to go with it.
Sound a little outrageous? It is – but it’s a very well-respected supplement in the natural male virility industry. The fact they also make SemEnhance is a good sign. And it means if you’re looking to make your semen taste better, it’s a name you can trust.
Swallowing semen doesn’t have to be a chore. Dare we say, you might even enjoy it.
Don’t forget to check out our article: How to Cum More for Better, More Intense Orgasms