‘Ejaculation does not cause blood loss’ — National Blood Service corrects misinformation

The National Blood Service (NBS) in Ghana has clarified misinformation regarding the link between ejaculation and blood loss. In a statement dated August 20, 2026, NBS CEO Dr Shirley Owusu-Ofori addressed claims made in a Joy Prime discussion and a JoyOnline article.

Dr Charity Twumasi, a guest on the program, alleged that a single ejaculation released "400 million cells" and likened the volume of seminal fluid to "one pint of blood". The NBS firmly rejected these assertions as scientifically inaccurate and potentially harmful. They emphasized that semen and blood are produced by separate anatomical systems and are not interchangeable.

Semen, comprising spermatozoa, seminal plasma, proteins, and enzymes, is distinct from blood, which remains within the body’s circulatory system. The NBS further disputed the claim that an ejaculation equates to a pint of blood. A typical ejaculation contains millions of microscopic sperm cells but only 2-5 millilitres of fluid, making the comparison to 473 millilitres of blood "mathematically and biologically impossible".

Additionally, the NBS rejected the notion that ejaculation depletes the body’s blood supply. They stated that "no circulatory depletion" occurs; blood is contained strictly within the circulatory system, and ejaculation does not impact systemic blood volume. The service warned that spreading such claims could cause unnecessary fear and reinforce misconceptions about sexual and prostate health.

Unchecked misinformation could also mislead the public about blood volume loss and replenishment, potentially undermining voluntary blood donation campaigns.