
The Myths and Legends of Sperm, Sexual Assault, Sex, and Contraception
By Diana Faugno, BSN, RN, CPN, FAAFS; Barbara Girardin, RN, PhD; and Andrea Radoff BSN, RN
Our population is made up of many different cultures, with many different beliefs. This article examines some of those beliefs about sex, contraception and sexual assault, with a focus on sperm.
The male reproductive system, simply described, is made up of the testicles; duct system, including the epididymis and vas deferens; accessory glands; and the penis. The testicles produce testosterone, which stimulates the production of sperm and also stores the sperm. The sperm cell is made up of the head, which contains the nucleus, the midpiece, which contains the mitochondria, and the tail. This is the smallest cell in the human body.1 The duct system is used to transport the sperm. The accessory glands provide the seminal fluid to lubricate the duct system and nourish the sperm when sexually stimulated, also mixed together they make semen. The semen is released through the urethra in the penis.2 The entire production of sperm formation to maturation takes about 72 days.3 Every day an adult male produces several million sperm cells, and each milliliter of semen contains about 100 million sperm.4 A study in showed that human sperm count had fallen over the past half-century by almost 50 percent.5 The average penis size of the nonerect penis is 3.4 to 4.2 inches; the average penis size of the erect penis is 6.4 to 7.6 inches, with a diameter of 1.4 inches.6
Sexual Assault
Semen is used for DNA analysis and identification in sexual assault cases. This is made possible by using “DNA fingerprinting” or the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).7 DNA typing is the process of taking a specimen such as semen, blood or saliva, and extracting the DNA and amplifying specific regions of the DNA, which makes a DNA profile.8 This DNA profile is entered into the CODIS system, and can be used to identify unknown assaulters, as well as clear innocent suspects.8 Often, dried stains of semen on clothing are a better sample to test for DNA than vaginal samples because the vagina contains vaginal material that can interfere with the typing tests.9 Vaginal swabs must also be collected within three to six hours of intercourse for DNA typing. Sperm can live up to 72 hours in the vaginal pool, but some of the components of semen degrade rapidly in the vaginal environment.9 Motile sperm can survive in the vagina from three to 24 hours, and from 110 hours to seven days in the cervix.10-11 Nonmotile sperm can be found in the vagina from 14 hours to 17 days, and in the cervix for 12 days.10-11
Sperm can survive for six to 13 hours in the mouth.9 Sperm and seminal fluid are not always present in sexual assault cases, but that does not mean the crime did not take place.7,11 Several explanations for the absence of detectable semen in sexual assault are a lack of sexual contact; sexual contact without ejaculation; and sexual contact with loss of semen between the time of contact and collection of evidence.9 Studies have shown that 34 percent or more of rapists are sexually dysfunctional, and as many as 40 percent wear condoms.7 Evidence in sexual assaults (clothing, stains, smears) is examined for seminal fluid, sperm (both motile and non-motile), and acid phosphatase (specific to seminal fluid).7 A high level of acid phosphatase in the vagina is indicative of recent sexual contact due to high levels in seminal fluid and low levels in vaginal fluids.7
There is also a semen-specific protein called P-30, also known as the prostatic antigen, which can be tested for and is indicative of semen. This can be found in swabs from the vagina, mouth and rectum.9 Both the acid phosphatase and the P-30 tests can be used to estimate the amount of semen in the sample, as well as confirm the presence of semen when there are no sperm cells present, as in many cases of sexual assault.9
These are relatively basic tests that can be done to rule out positive or negative findings in many cases of sexual assault, since the forensic criminal labs are so overloaded with years of sexual assault cases. If they test for the basics, they can then decide whether they should invest the time and money in further testing of DNA on the cases. Unfortunately there is no new data on the subject, as the majority of research is from the late s to the early s. Considering the technological advances that we have achieved over the years, including the identification and typing of DNA from sperm, it is due time that new research is done on the subject, as the results may be significantly different.
Infertility
It was once believed that women were the cause of infertility: now it is known that men are the source of the problem in about half of the cases that fertility specialists see.12-13 Another recent discovery was that pesticides and some chemicals can affect the volume and quality of sperm, and may cause sterility in men.13-14 Some men believe that you can judge their fertility by the thickness and amount of semen they produce; this is not true. Fertility depends on sperm count, while semen is made up mostly of seminal fluid, so fertility and volume are not related.15 Some men believe that their sperm count will be the same each time it is measured, while in reality, it will vary. The production and motility of sperm may be affected by other factors including illness and medications.15 Some men believe that if they do not have problems having sex, then they must be fertile. There is no relationship between virility and fertility.15 Some boys are told that of they masturbate excessively then it will make them sterile. Sperm is constantly being produced in the testes, so regardless of how many times a boy or man masturbates, he will not become sterile from that activity.15 Over the years, rumors have circulated about various products and activities. We distinguish between fact and fiction.
Mountain Dew (Yes, the soda) There are all sorts of beliefs about Mountain Dew. Some people believe that it lowers a man’s sperm count. Others believe it causes sterility. Some people believe it will cause the testicles and penis to shrink. None of this is true. The dye used to make Mountain Dew (Yellow No. 5) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been used since .16-19
Tight Underwear Many men believe that tight underwear lowers their sperm count. There is really only a slight difference in temperature in tight underwear and should not affect sperm production, and will not lower sperm count. In men who already have a low sperm count, it is best to optimize their surroundings and wear boxers.20,13,21
Foods Some men believe that they can change the taste of their semen by altering what they eat. There is no scientific evidence that proves this theory. Some men avoid dairy products, while others avoid garlic, asparagus (which is known to make urine smell) and other vegetables. Other men believe that smoking and drinking alcohol will affect the taste of their semen. There is no proof either way.22 There is proof that alcohol and smoking can decrease a man’s sperm count and contribute to infertility.13
Sex and Pregnancy
There are many myths about sex. We remember hearing as a child not to sit on public toilet seats because if it had sperm on it, then you could get pregnant from it (one of many reasons not to sit on a public toilet seat), which is not true because sperm dies quickly outside of the body, and it is not really feasible anyway. Another is that if a man is aroused and does not ejaculate, then he can injure himself (“blue balls”). If a man does not ejaculate, the semen does not get backed up, it may just feel uncomfortable until the arousal is gone.23 Some people also believe that of they only have anal sex they cannot get pregnant. It is still possible that after ejaculation semen can drip into the vagina, and a woman can become pregnant.23 Some women believe that if they have sex while they have their period they will not get pregnant. This is not true since ovulation is very difficult to predict, and sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to five days.15,22,23,24,25,12 Some women believe that if they urinate after sex they will not get pregnant, but urine comes out through the urethra, a separate opening.23-24 Others believe that if they have sex standing up, they cannot get pregnant. Women can get pregnant regardless of the position or the location that sex takes place24,26,27,28 Some women believe that if sperm leaks out after sex, they will not get pregnant. In reality, regardless of how much fluid drips out, sperm will still reach the cervical mucus. It is normal for semen to drip out after sex.15 Some girls believe that penetration must occur for pregnancy; this is not true. If a man ejaculates and the sperm comes in contact with the vulva, then it is possible for the sperm to swim up the vagina to the uterus and cause pregnancy.29,25,27,28 Some people believe that if they have sex in the water (hot or regular temperature) the girl cannot get pregnant. A girl can get pregnant anywhere she has sex. Water does not prevent sperm from entering the uterus.23,16
Douching
Some women believe that douching after sex will decrease their chances of pregnancy.23 This is actually the opposite; douching can help push the sperm up the vagina. Sperm enter the cervical canal as quickly as 15 seconds after ejaculation.25-27 Some women will douche with Coca Cola, because it is said to kill sperm. This has only been proven in a test tube, not in a woman’s vagina.26,28
The “Pull Out” Method Some men believe that they can control when they ejaculate, and “pull out” before they come. It is very difficult for a man to control ejaculation, and even if he can, millions of sperm come out prior to ejaculation, with “pre-come” as part of the lubrication before contact is even made.23,24,22,29,25,26,27,28
Condoms Some people believe that if they wear two condoms at once they will be more protected than if they use just one. If two condoms are used together they can cause friction, causing the condom to tear or break23,29,27,28 People are led to believe that condoms are 100 percent safe; this is untrue. Condoms can break, or fall off if the man does not pull out after ejaculation and becomes soft.24,27,28 Some people believe that they can use plastic wrap as a condom replacement; this does not work. It will come apart or fall off, there are no guarantees26,28 Balloons also make poor condoms. They are not designed for sexual intercourse.28 Toothpaste should not be used as a spermicide.26
The Pill
Some women believe that if they take a pill before or a pill after they have sex then they will not get pregnant. For the birth control pill to be effective, a woman must take it regularly, every day. Other women believe that as soon as you start taking the pill, it is effective. The pill is not an effective birth control until you have taken it for at least a complete month.29
There are many myths surrounding sex, and there always will be, especially with the range of cultures in our country. It is our job as professionals to educate our communities, including children, parents and teachers, about the realities of sex and its consequences. Do not let their ignorance be the cause of further unwanted pregnancy and disease. Spread the knowledge.
08/31/
Minnesota Department of Health Report Provides New Insights into Child Maltreatment by Looking at Hospital and Child Protection Data
Illinois Governor Signs Legislation to Make Nursing Homes Safer; New Law Requires Criminal Background Checks for More Employees at Long-term Care Facilities
08/17/
International Conference Seeks Collaboration, Strategies for Violence Prevention
08/03/
Puritan Medical Products Company LLC Introduces a New Forensic Swab
07/22/
Spousal Violence Affects One in Three Albanian Wives
Top Crime Scene Experts Come to SLU to Improve Their Craft
07/18/
Gender-Based Violence Correlates with HIV/AIDS Among Women
More News
|