Semen Allergy
Sexual Health
Some people are actually allergic to their partner's semen. Semen allergy is a rare but often-misdiagnosed condition that can masquerade as a common yeast or herpes infection. Not surprisingly, the pain, redness, burning and swelling associated with semen allergy can wreak havoc on an intimate relationship.
Once accurately diagnosed, couples can be treated successfully. Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is one of the few researchers who has studied semen allergy and now treats people with this condition.
Types of Allergic Reactions to Semen
People can have localized problems after immediate contact with semen. They can have burning, pain and swelling that can occur for long periods of time. Typically it affects the outer vaginal area, though it can also affect the inner area. Some women describe severe burning and pain, where it feels like 1,000 needles have been injected in them at one time. Others may have a response that involves trouble with breathing, hives and swelling.
As far as medical professionals are aware, there has never been any fatalities with this condition. Symptoms can last from hours to days, and they typically start within 20 to 30 minutes after contact.
The allergies come from the proteins in semen, although professionals aren't sure which proteins are responsible. Many of the proteins associated with the semen allergy are believed to be common proteins found in all semen, but it's also possible for people to be allergic to a protein that is unique to an individual.
Semen allergy is often confused with yeast infections and/or a sexually transmitted disease. Still other women are just told that they have dryness and need to lubricate or use an anti-itch cream. Many times patients get frustrated because they've been through the gamut, and their physicians or don't take the matter seriously.
There's been some suggestion that some existing food allergies or a family history of food allergies might be related, but that requires further investigation.
Regarding oral sex - it is possible to have an oral reaction. But experts haven't seen that too often. The most common problem reported by women is the development of acneiform lesions on their face after contact with semen.
This allergy can be very disruptive to interpersonal relationships. So much so, some people have gone on to find different partners because the allergy was unique to the individual that they were with.
How is this problem treated?
Condoms are obviously the best in terms of avoidance. The couple should don them before they start having intercourse, since there's usually semen leakage during the act. If condom use isn't helpful, then you have to be concerned about whether semen allergy is really the right diagnosis.
At the University of Cincinnati, semen allergies are treated by desensitizing women to their sexual partner's semen with injections similar to regular allergy shots. While they report over 95 percent success with the treatment, it's laborious and costly and insurance companies often do not cover the treatments.
Note: Treatments used to treat seasonal allergies, such as oral antihistamines, have not been helpful.
What to do?
First of all, make sure that there is no other kind of underlying problems or issues.
The man should stay hydrated before and during intercourse because dehydration can cause a concentration of semen and more acidity.
If there is a problem, the couple could try using condoms to see if that prevents the symptoms from occurring.
If all those things have been tried and there is still have a problem, the couple should contact a board-certified allergist who might be able to help them.
