University at Albany Study: Semen Eases Depression
in Women
Contact: Heidi Weber (518) 437-4993
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 28, 2002) - Women who
are directly exposed to semen are less depressed than those who are not,
according to a recent study conducted by a researcher at the University
at Albany.
The study, conducted by UAlbany Psychology Professor Gordon Gallup
found that females who were not using condoms for sexual intercourse
were less depressed than females who did use condoms, possibly because
when absorbed through the vagina, semen may have an effect on mood in
women.
Nearly 300 females filled out anonymous questionnaires designed to
measure various aspects of their sexual behavior, including frequency of
sexual intercourse, the number of days since their last sexual encounter
and whether or not they used condoms. Each respondent was also asked to
complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), a widely used measure of
individual differences in depressive symptoms. According to Gallup,
"females who engaged in sexual intercourse but never used condoms
exhibited significantly lower scores on the BDI than those who usually
or always used condoms."
Researchers explored other explanations for the varying BDI scores,
such as frequency of intercourse, use of oral contraceptives and whether
or not the female was in a relationship. The study indicates condom use
accounted for more variance in depression than any of the other
predictors.
While the study raises many questions, it shows that the consistency
of condom use is directly related to the level of depressive symptoms
among sexually active female college students.
"Regardless of the findings, this study does not advocate that people
abstain from using condoms," said Professor Gallup. "Protecting oneself
from an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease is far more
important."
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