A Man Was Once Hospitalized After Injecting Semen Into His Arm to ‘Cure Back Pain’

This article was originally published in January 2019 and has since been updated.

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When it comes to medical care, some things should be left to the professionals. An Irish man was hospitalized with a severely infected abscess that resulted from him injecting his own semen to try to cure back pain.

He went into the hospital reporting ‘severe, sudden onset’ back pain. The man said that his pain came from lifting a heavy steel object three days prior but later said that it was much more long standing.

In the ER, the doctors couldn’t help but notice his red and swollen arm during a physical exam. At this point, he revealed his unbelievable story. For the past 18 months, he devised a plan to remedy his long-standing back pain.

The man bought a hypodermic needle online and used it to inject his semen into his arm. This time, he injected it three times, into his muscle and his blood.

The doctors performed an X-Ray on the affected area. It revealed subcutaneous emphysema. This is a condition when air or gas is trapped under the skin.

To treat the condition, he was immediately put on intravenous antimicrobial treatment. After his back pain went away, he discharged himself from the hospital without first draining the infected area.

Of course, this man conducted on his own accord and independently of any sound medical advice. There is no reference for semen to be used as a back pain treatment, scientific or even anecdotal.

Says Dr. L Dunne, of Adelaide and Meath Hospital in Dublin, “Although there is a report of the effects of subcutaneous semen injection into rats and rabbits, there were no cases of intravenous semen injection into humans found across the literature.”

“A search of more eclectic internet sites and forums found no other documentation of semen injection for back pain treatment or other uses.”

“While it is the first-ever described case of intravascular semen injection and associated abscess in the medical literature its lessons can be applied on a broader scale,” the study said.

“The dangers of venepuncture when carried out by the untrained layperson are highlighted as well as the vascular and soft tissue hazards surrounding the attempted injection of substances not intended for intravenous use.”

“The case also demonstrates the risks involved with medical experimentation prior to extensive clinical research in the form of phased trials inclusive of safety and efficacy assessments.”

Back pain is a common issue, and some people might feel desperate to remedy it. Using such radical solutions without any scientific evidence is dangerous, and this is a one-time case that should not be repeated.

Because he hurt his back lifting an object, being safe while at work is crucial to prevent injury. After working and before working, stretching and proper lifting technique can do a lot to help prevent this from happening. Wearing the right shoes, going to a chiropractor, and certain plants can help alleviate pain. Medical care should be left to the professionals and not semen.