In the semen can live many more viruses than you imagine

Semen, that viscous substance that men shed when ejaculating and in which spermatozoa are found, is composed of many substances, among which are different types of virus capable of causing diseases.

Recent scientific research has determined that in semen there are not only microorganisms related to sexually transmitted diseases but also a number of other viruses that cause conditions as severe as Ebola and Lassa fever.

Semen, a reservoir of dangerous diseases

We know that when having sex it is necessary to use a condom or require our partner to do so to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as AIDS and gonorrhea, but a new study will make you appreciate much more the use of condoms.

Specialists from the University of Oxford, England, published the results of an investigation in which they found a tremendous variety of viruses that can be transmitted through the semen.

There are 27 viruses of different types that can subsist and pass through the semen, thanks to the protection provided by the testicles preventing the immune system of the man to eliminate them.

Among the viruses that were found in samples of human semen include Ebola, Zika, Lassa Fever, Chikungunya and Rift Valley, Mumps, Varicella and Mononucleosis, as well as various types of adenovirus and herpesvirus.

The newly named viruses that are transmitted through semen join those we already know and are responsible for the most commonly known sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C and human papilloma virus. Conditions such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial.

Scientists found that the viruses mentioned can not only be transmitted through semen and semen fluids but are also able to replicate in the body of the recipient and thus develop the disease. It should be added that contagion can also occur during oral sex.

British researchers explain that semen is the ideal reservoir for viruses, because the testicles are covered inside by a barrier of cells called Sertolli cells, which prevent the immune system from attacking these microorganisms.

In the study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, it is mentioned that other viruses causing diseases such as influenza, SARS and dengue were found in testicular tissues so that theoretically could find a way to pass to semen.

Scientific research that warns us of the dangers of unprotected sex that could cause more serious illnesses with viruses present in semen adding even more reasons to always have a condom on hand.