Can you have an allergy to semen?

There are no exact data about the prevalence of allergy to semen. This is because it is a little-known pathology and similar to other conditions. It is important to inform yourself about it, since this condition can become very serious.

Semen allergy is a rare health problem, but it is very likely to be underdiagnosed. For one thing, not everyone thinks they should see a sexologist in Delhi about this. On the other hand, it is often confused with other pathologies such as vaginitis.

Semen allergy is also known as "plasma human seminal hypersensitivity." It refers to a disproportionate reaction of the immune system to a protein present in semen: PSA. It affects men and women, and requires medical assistance.

A person can become allergic to any substance at any time in life. Semen allergy is no exception. In all cases, the reaction can range from bothersome symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis, warns the best sexologist in Delhi.

Related symptoms

The usual thing is that the manifestations of allergy to semen appear immediately or within a few minutes of having had contact with this substance. In the latter case, usually within 5 to 15 minutes. The symptoms change if the allergy is localized or generalized. Let's see.

Localized semen allergy

When semen allergy is localized, the main symptom is itching in the vagina or penis. Let's emphasize the fact that there are men allergic to their own semen. In addition to this, there is usually redness in the area and it is common for blisters to appear about 30 minutes after the first symptoms. There is also burning and a feeling of discomfort, says top sexologist in Delhi.

Generalized allergy to semen

It occurs when the immune response is systemic. Hives then appear all over the body, with a strong itching sensation. There may also be nausea and vomiting.

In the most severe cases, the throat and pharynx become inflamed, the airways become obstructed, and blood pressure drops significantly. Those cases require immediate emergency care, as it is anaphylactic shock, says sexologist doctor in Delhi.

Some people develop Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome, or POIS. This occurs only in men and the symptoms are similar to the flu: fever, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and blisters. Science is still unclear if this is an allergic reaction or not.

Possible complications

The main complication of semen allergy is systemic reaction. As noted earlier, in such cases there is a generalized urticaria, even on areas of the skin that did not come in contact with the semen. There may also be shortness of breath and shock.

This type of allergy can make it more difficult to conceive by traditional means. However, sex specialist in Delhi says that there is no evidence that semen allergy is associated with infertility or miscarriage.

What causes semen allergy?

The causes of allergy to semen are endless. As noted above, a person can become allergic to any substance at any time in life. These types of reactions are more frequent in people with a history of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or atopic dermatitis.

Everything indicates that the allergen, or factor that triggers the allergy, is a protein present in semen, whose name is PSA. On some occasions, men with a vasectomy have changes in their seminal fluid and it becomes more allergenic, says sex doctor in Delhi.

On the other hand, intrauterine devices or gynecological surgeries may alter local immunity and make some women more prone to semen allergy. This condition is more common in women between the ages of 30 and 40. Menopause reduces the possibility of having this type of allergy, since over the years the immune system becomes less active.

Diagnosis and treatments

Diagnosis of semen allergy can begin with a simple test for women. It consists of using a condom during sexual intercourse. If symptoms do not arise, it can be presumed that this type of allergy is present.

However, it is best to corroborate it with a clinical diagnosis. This is done based on a thorough questioning. Skin tests and blood tests are then carried out to determine if there is an allergy.

There are women with a history of allergies to certain foods or drugs and only have symptoms on some occasions. In those cases, it is possible that your partner has ingested some of these substances and it is present in the semen.

According to sexologist in Delhi, treatment to control semen allergy includes one or more of the following measures:

• Avoid contact with semen. It is achieved by using condoms in all sexual relations.

• Desensitization to semen. This treatment is carried out by an allergist and consists of gradually exposing a woman to semen. Then you should have sex on a regular basis to consolidate the treatment.

• Antihistamines. Taking an oral antihistamine before having sex can reduce symptoms. However, it is not advisable for a woman who wants to conceive.

• epinephrine autoinjector. It is a device that is used when there is a severe allergic reaction. The sexologist in Noida might advise the patient to have one of them on hand.

Allergies, more present every day

Available data indicates that the PSA protein, which causes semen allergy, is very similar to a protein in male dogs called Can F5. Therefore, many times those who are allergic to semen are also allergic to male dogs.

Experts indicate that allergies are the epidemic of the 21st century. It is estimated that in the year 2025 it is predictable that up to 50% of the world population will suffer from an allergy. It should be noted that an allergy rarely goes away on its own.