Although the exchange of bodily fluids during intimate relationships has been part of human behavior for centuries, it remains a topic surrounded by curiosity, misinformation, and often private discussion. This personal aspect of intimacy happens behind closed doors, but modern science is increasingly interested in studying its composition and potential physical and psychological effects. Moving beyond cultural taboos and myths, researchers have begun to explore what these fluids contain and what happens when they are ingested.
To begin, it’s important to understand the nature of the fluid involved. Many people mistakenly think it consists only of reproductive cells, but in reality, it is a complex mixture called seminal plasma that carries those cells. This fluid is produced by multiple glands within the male reproductive system—including the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands—and contains proteins, enzymes, sugars such as fructose (which provides energy), minerals like zinc and potassium, hormones such as prostaglandins, and mostly water. Its main function is to protect, nourish, and transport reproductive cells rather than to serve as a significant source of nutrition.
