Experts discussed whether sex is possible in space
Since time immemorial, humanity has been fascinated by space, from sending spacecraft to explore asteroids to deploying rovers on Mars.
As mankind delves into deeper space exploration, including potential missions to Mars, the question arises as to whether humans can have sex and conceive a child in space. Zeenews has been seeking an answer to this question.
Currently, astronauts live on the International Space Station, engaging in activities such as growing vegetables and conducting various scientific experiments.
The microgravity in space makes it difficult for objects or people to stay in one place, eliminating the logistical possibility of having sex in space. However, there is no scientific evidence or experiments that would allow us to state this with certainty.
"No one has had sex in space, or at least not admitted to having had sex in space," Adam Watkins, an associate professor of reproductive and developmental physiology at the University of Nottingham, told Newsweek.
Space pregnancy is another matter. The microgravity present in space will not only make pregnancy in space more difficult, but can also lead to fetal defects. "As far as how to get pregnant in space, the simple answer is that nobody really knows," says Watkins.
Advanced technologies can potentially solve the problems of microgravity. Watkins suggests that the use of centrifugal devices could counteract the lack of gravity, which is crucial for uterine development.
Moreover, for space travel to celestial bodies such as Mars, Watkins recommends sending freeze-dried reproductive materials rather than pregnant women because of potential problems such as erectile dysfunction seen in male astronauts after spaceflight.
According to a study published in the journal FASEB, the risk of erectile dysfunction exists not only during astronauts' stay in space but can also persist for a long period of time even after returning to Earth.