Egg Injections and Semen Injections: Debunking a Dangerous Health Myth
A long-standing myth about treating illnesses with under-skin injections of eggs or semen is explored. Medical experts warn of serious risks and no proven benefits.
Online myths claim that injecting substances like chicken eggs or semen under the skin can cure illnesses. Medical professionals warn that these practices are dangerous and unsupported by science. This article explains what the claims are and why they pose real health risks.
By Ksenia Gogichashvili
What are egg-based injections and where did the idea come from?
Subcutaneous injections involving raw chicken eggs are often labeled as ovotherapy or as a method attributed to a controversial doctor named Gavriil Kapustin. The story circulated mostly on forums and health sites, claiming he treated various conditions with egg-based injections and later offered the procedure to patients.
Many versions of the tale mention a mid-century doctor who supposedly used egg injections to heal wounds or chronic illnesses. However, there is no reliable medical research supporting these claims, and the existence of the doctor himself is not substantiated. Some references tie the myth to historical figures known for other, unrelated medical work, such as early tissue research, but this does not validate egg therapy as a treatment.
In short, the idea that chicken eggs can be used as a medical injection has no evidence behind it and should be treated as a myth rather than a proven therapy.
What about semen injections?
Instances of semen being injected under the skin are extremely rare and poorly supported by medical data. A 2019 case in an Irish medical journal described a man who injected his own semen into his body as a self-treatment for back pain. The procedure led to a local swelling and, in some areas, air pockets under the skin. The report stressed that this approach is unsafe and not a recognized medical practice.
Overall, semen injections are not a validated therapy, and medical professionals discourage any attempts to use bodily fluids in this way.
What can go wrong? Key risks to know
Using eggs, semen, or other non-sterile substances for skin or intravenous injections can cause serious health problems.
Infection risks
Raw eggs can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which can cause severe stomach illness, fever, and dehydration. If bacteria spread through the bloodstream, they may lead to more serious infections in the organs. Semen can also harbor bacteria or other pathogens that pose infection risks when introduced under the skin.
Raw eggs can harbor bacteria that trigger serious infections and can lead to sepsis. Substances injected under the skin may form abscesses or trigger widespread inflammation requiring medical treatment.
Allergic reactions
Egg proteins can cause allergic reactions, ranging from nasal congestion to breathing difficulties. When injections bypass normal barriers, allergic responses may be more pronounced and could be life-threatening in rare cases. Semen likewise contains proteins that may provoke inflammatory or allergic responses in sensitive individuals.
Vascular and tissue complications
Injecting non-medical substances into the bloodstream or surrounding tissues can block vessels or create air pockets. Such complications can require emergency care and pose serious health risks, including potential damage to organs or life-threatening conditions.
Ksenia Gogichashvili
Injecting non-medical substances into the body is unsafe and offers no proven medical benefit. Seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals for legitimate treatments.
Why do some people still try these methods?
Some online or print resources reference old anecdotes or misattributed letters claiming therapeutic effects. In reality, these stories do not equal evidence, and modern medicine has no validated procedures using eggs or semen for healing.
Expert comment
Expert opinion: Medical professionals unanimously consider these injections unsafe and unsupported by clinical evidence. Patients should rely on evidence-based therapies prescribed by licensed clinicians rather than unproven methods.
Bottom line and guidance
Summary: There is no scientific proof that egg or semen injections benefit health. These practices carry real risks, including infections, allergic reactions, and dangerous vascular complications. If you have health concerns, consult a licensed doctor and follow proven, safe treatments.
Key takeaway: There is no medical benefit to egg or semen injections; they pose serious health risks and should be avoided in favor of evidence-based care.