In this bizarre world with curious medical dilemmas, allergies can be a major obstacle putting a damper on your day-to-day life. People can be allergic to anything and everything under the sun, even semen.
The official name of semen allergy is Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity and a study published in the EMResident Archives claims that around 40,000 women in the United States have this condition. To understand this allergy in depth and ways to deal with it, the Onlymyhealth team spoke to Dr Sonam Simpatwar, MBBS, Diploma in OBGY (DGO), MS, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Railway Hospital, Byculla.
What Is Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity?
Seminal plasma hypersensitivity is a rare, under-diagnosed entity, said Dr Simpatwar. Different types of allergies may be caused by various substances, from pollen to food and insect venom. However, “The most striking thing about seminal plasma hypersensitivity in comparison with other forms of allergies is that the allergen that causes this type of allergy is explicitly identified: proteins in a human being's semen,” said Dr Simpatwar.
He continued, “Seminal plasma hypersensitivity typically presents in adult life and is usually about sexual intercourse; thus, this characteristic is unique in nature when compared to most other common allergic presentations.”
Signs That You Are Allergic To Semen
Another critical fact to be noted about this allergy is that most of the reactions are local and immediate, with a minimal number leading to systemic responses.
“General symptom onset happens within 30 minutes of semen exposure, and the symptoms run for several hours to days. In other instances, an allergic response does not occur but the rashes do. After sexual intercourse, the rashes or allergic reactions likely suggest infection or other types of skin irritations,” suggested Dr Simpatwar.
According to him, semen allergy usually presents as:
- Itching
- Lip and tongue oedema
- Lesions on the inner thigh
- Genital dermatitis of varying degrees
- Hives all over your body.
- Swelling of deeper layers of skin, often around the face and lips.
- A whistling sound when breathing, caused by airways being narrowed.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Upset stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhoea.
- Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening with symptoms like swollen throat, weak pulse, and unconsciousness.
How Is Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity Diagnosed?
“Diagnosing semen allergy most often involves taking a medical history and is, in general, confirmed through skin tests in which the diluted form of the semen is applied to see if it results in a response,” said Dr Simpatwar.
She also listed a series of tests that doctors conduct to eliminate other potential conditions:
- Vaginal examination
- Vaginal swabs to test for any bacterial or yeast infections
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which help rule out any potential STIs
- Blood tests
“Another common way to identify a semen allergy is to use a condom during sex. If you don’t experience a reaction, semen may be to blame. On the other hand, if you have sex using a condom and still have an allergic reaction, semen is probably not the cause,” said Dr Simpatwar.
How To Treat A Semen Allergy?
It's tough to cure an allergy because it's actually a faulty immune system caused due to genetic or hereditary factors. However, semen allergy, like most allergies, can be managed.
Dr Simpatwar listed a few ways to manage semen allergy that can allow you to enjoy lovemaking in peace or increase your chances of conceiving:
- Contraceptive: Use a condom.
- Medication: Taking an antihistamine before a sexual encounter might help in diminishing the reaction. Carry a life-saving drug, such as an epinephrine injector, in the form of an EpiPen if you have a severe allergy to semen.
- Desensitisation: Doctors can gradually introduce small amounts of semen into the vagina to help build tolerance. Regular sexual intercourse can help maintain this tolerance.
- Other treatments: Local treatments include cromolyn cream for localised reactions.
While semen allergy or seminal plasma hypersensitivity is a rare condition, it can be effectively managed. If you suspect you have this allergy, consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. There are various treatment options available, including barrier methods, medication, and desensitisation therapy. With proper management, you can still enjoy a healthy sex life and increase your chances of parenthood.