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Women are ruled by men's sperm.
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Women who do not use contraceptives get pregnant more easily. In the formation of the ovulation process in women, male sperm plays an important role. This is due to a special protein that is part of the seminal fluid. English scientists have found that the more often a woman has intimate relations, the more her fertility increases.
Even one molecule of sperm can not only increase a woman's ability to bear children, but also affect her taste preferences and behavior.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia conducted an experiment on insects and observed how the fruit fly reacts to sexual intercourse.
The researchers say the findings could be applicable to many animals, including humans, that release sperm into a female's body to achieve fertilization.
Just one protein contained in sperm can cause such a diverse and large-scale reaction of genes. That is why, in addition to the positive sensations from the mating process itself, the reaction to the protein can cause such a storm in the female body that it affects her immunity, fertility, taste preferences and even sleep.
"We knew that proteins in semen could have this effect on a woman's body. They are responsible for activating the processes of feeding, egg production, affecting sleep, immune processes, water balance and intimacy," says Tracy Chapman, a professor and co-author of the study. "This study aimed to study the effects of what is called a 'peptide' - a protein in semen that is still not understood by science. As it turns out, it has a direct effect on many genes located in different parts of a woman's body."
Experts monitored changes in genes associated with egg development, immunity, early embryonic development, behavior, sensitivity to various substances, and even vision. It turned out that the main regulator here is this protein.
According to experts, intimate relationships have a direct impact on women's reproductive system and their behavior.