5 ways semen can affect female behaviour

Over time, several studies have suggested that semen has some effect on females including helping to fight depression.

Now, a new study conducted by a team from the University of East Anglia has found that male semen can affect the genes and behaviour of females in several ways.

According to the group's findings, male fruit flies selectively alter the chemical make-up of their seminal fluid, and when around rivals, the males produce more seminal proteins.

Also, the scientists found that one of the proteins is a ‘master regulator’ of genes, thus females exposed to it showed a wide range of changes in gene expression - which is the process by which specific genes are activated to produce a required protein to help the body function.

Said proteins go on to perform essential functions as enzymes, hormones and receptors.

Describing the find as surprising, study leader Tracey Chapman, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics said "it's a sophisticated response to the social and sexual situation.”

The research was presented earlier this month at the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution conference in Austria.

Here are 5 other ways semen can affect females, as suggested by science:

1. Several studies have claimed semen can elevate mood, increase affection, induce sleep and also contain at least three antidepressants.
2. Another study found there was a significant increase in pressure inside the uterus once semen arrived there after intercourse which, according to the team, may help transport the sperm to the oviduct – the tube that links the ovary to the uterus.
3. According to another research conducted on fruit flies, it was shown that seminal fluid can affect how interested females are in other males and how many eggs they produce.
4. Scientists at the University of Saskatchewan discovered that semen isn’t just vehicle for carrying sperm, but it also plays a crucial role in triggering ovulation - the protein in the sexual fluid acts as a hormonal signal on the female brain which triggers the release of other hormones that signal the ovaries to release an egg.
5. A controversial study by the State University of New York claimed that women who had regular unprotected sex were less depressed and performed better on cognitive tests.