A fascinating study published by Dutch psychologists shows that, when women are sexually aroused, their tolerance to disgust increases — not just regarding oral sex or other sexual acts specifically, but across the board.

In the study, the group of sexually aroused women felt less disgusted when asked to touch a "bloody" bone (actually, it was red ink) or put their hands in a bowl of allegedly used condoms (which were actually not used, but covered in lubricant). The study also included two other groups of women who were not sexually aroused first, who exhibited normal disgust and avoidance responses.

In my clinical practice, I'm always looking for ways to help women reduce their aversions to certain sexual acts or bodily fluids. As this research has proven, if they're able to become sexually aroused first before engaging in those acts, they need far less assistance.

Unfortunately, for many of the women I treat, the flames of passion are all too often extinguished, but based on my knowledge of evolutionary sexology, I've come up with a useful clinical intervention — and I see it working every day!

It's based on the theory that seminal plasma (the fluid that provides nutrients and protection for sperm, consisting of a complex range of organic and inorganic constituents) may have many health benefits.

Yes, you read that correctly — semen is actually healthy for you!

The alleged health benefits of seminal plasma are believed to be activated when a man deposits semen into a woman's vagina.

Newer research suggests that the same benefits may also be available if the seminal plasma is swallowed, and some theories even suggest that semen deposited anally will offer the same benefits. The very existence of "butt plugs" suggest that some men may want to keep the seminal plasma inside.

So here they are: the 10 reasons welcoming semen into your body (vaginally or orally) is actually good for you:

1. Semen is a natural anti-depressant.

Studies have shown that semen elevates your mood and even reduces suicidal thoughts ... Yes, really!

2. Semen reduces anxiety.

It boasts anti-anxiety hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and progesterone.

3. It improves the quality of your sleep.

Semen contains melatonin, a sleep-inducing agent.

4. It increases energy.

It's been shown to improve cardio health.

5. It prevents preeclampsia.

This is a condition which causes dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy.

6. It can improve memory.

7. Improves mental alertness.

Findings of additional studies "suggest that semen-exposed women perform better on concentration and cognitive tasks."

8. It prevents morning sickness.

But only if it is the same semen that caused your pregnancy.

9. It slows down the aging process of your skin and muscles.

It contains a healthy portion of zinc, which is an antioxidant.

10. It reduces pain.

Impressed? You should be! Nature knows what she's doing!

Some of the helpful chemicals in seminal plasma include testosterone, estrogen, prolactin, opioid peptides, oxytocin, serotonin, melatonin, and norepinephrine. Just think, you can get a dose of all that without having to go to the vitamin store!

When I tell women with arousal disorders they can reap all of the above-mentioned health benefits, it often enables them to be more receptive to sex.

Suddenly, they're willingness to "swallow" increases if they think it might help them sleep better or reduce their pain. Suddenly, they can tolerate intercourse if they believe it may help with depression.

Of course, much of the research in this area is preliminary and needs to be replicated. But, I do believe more and more empirical research will support these initial findings.

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Kimberly Resnick Anderson, LCSW, is an AASECT-certified sex therapist with more than 20 years experience evaluating and treating sexual concerns, as well as a clinical instructor of Psychiatry at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine and an associate professor of psychiatry at Northeast Ohio Medical University.