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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.
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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: