Sex Out Loud
By: in*Touch Sexual Health Educators
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Health & Science
Q: I've heard that swallowing after giving head can ruin a diet. What is actually in semen?
A: Giving head, or oral sex on a penis, can result in the ejaculation of semen. Under 10 percent of ejaculation is actually spermatozoa, the small little wiggly things that play a part in pregnancy. 90 percent of semen is actually seminal fluid which is comprised of sugars, proteins and amino acids, vitamins, minerals, hormones, and body byproducts like nitrogen and lactic acid. Each ejaculation is about one tablespoon of semen, which isn't really very much. On average, there are about 5 calories per teaspoon of semen, which figures to only about 15 calories per ejaculation. Any calories ingested from the semen would be quickly burned away through the jaw and tongue movements involved in the act. Along with the high-quality protein in semen, it also contains important nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and zinc. All in all, semen has comparable nutritional values to a tablespoon of egg whites, which wouldn't break a diet, but also wouldn't compensate for a daily multivitamin.
Many people don't know that oral sex, whether it's performed on a penis or the vaginal or anal area, comes with the risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the case of oral sex on a penis, STIs can be transferred between partners through pre-cum, ejaculation and skin contact. Knowing and discussing your STI status with your partner, along with the use of a condom during the act of oral sex on a penis is an effective way to prevent the transmission of STIs. You can make an appointment at the Health Center (538-2242) for STI testing, as well as to purchase condoms and dental dams to make your oral sex experience safer.
A: Giving head, or oral sex on a penis, can result in the ejaculation of semen. Under 10 percent of ejaculation is actually spermatozoa, the small little wiggly things that play a part in pregnancy. 90 percent of semen is actually seminal fluid which is comprised of sugars, proteins and amino acids, vitamins, minerals, hormones, and body byproducts like nitrogen and lactic acid. Each ejaculation is about one tablespoon of semen, which isn't really very much. On average, there are about 5 calories per teaspoon of semen, which figures to only about 15 calories per ejaculation. Any calories ingested from the semen would be quickly burned away through the jaw and tongue movements involved in the act. Along with the high-quality protein in semen, it also contains important nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and zinc. All in all, semen has comparable nutritional values to a tablespoon of egg whites, which wouldn't break a diet, but also wouldn't compensate for a daily multivitamin.
Many people don't know that oral sex, whether it's performed on a penis or the vaginal or anal area, comes with the risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the case of oral sex on a penis, STIs can be transferred between partners through pre-cum, ejaculation and skin contact. Knowing and discussing your STI status with your partner, along with the use of a condom during the act of oral sex on a penis is an effective way to prevent the transmission of STIs. You can make an appointment at the Health Center (538-2242) for STI testing, as well as to purchase condoms and dental dams to make your oral sex experience safer.