What is an allergy to sperm? How do I know if I have a sperm allergy?

Allergy to semen is very rare. Common symptoms are itching, burning, or swelling within minutes to an hour of contact with semen.

Semen allergy is also known as human plasma hypersensitivity (HSP). This is an allergic reaction to proteins found in most men's sperm. A rare semen allergy, which is more common in women, affects more than 400,000 women in the United States. Currently, it is not known whether the condition affects men who have sex with men.
Studies show you can be allergic to your own semen. When this happens, it's called post-orgasmic syndrome.

Very rarely, a semen allergy occurs. Common symptoms are itching, burning, or swelling within minutes to an hour of contact with semen. Other symptoms include rash, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
However, even if you develop a rash or itchiness after sex, it's very unlikely to be due to a sperm allergy (also known as human plasma hypersensitivity). These symptoms could also be a sign of a vaginal infection, a reaction to another irritant, or an outright allergy.

True sperm allergy is also not specific to a specific condition: Women who have an allergic reaction to their partner's semen often have the same problem as other men's semen.
Sperm allergy is not a direct cause of infertility, but its symptoms can make conceiving much more difficult. If you have severe, life-threatening symptoms, artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization may be an option to help you become pregnant.
You may have an allergic reaction to semen with accompanying symptoms such as swelling, itching, pain. For women, symptoms usually occur on the vulva or inside the vaginal canal. For men, symptoms may occur on the shaft or the skin above the genitals.
That means, symptoms can appear anywhere that comes in contact with semen, such as:
Hand Mouth Chest Anal

Allergic reactions to semen are usually local, but in some cases symptoms can affect the whole body. For example, men who are allergic to their own semen may experience severe fatigue, intense heat, and a flu-like state immediately after ejaculation.
In general, symptoms usually begin within 20 to 30 minutes of semen exposure. These effects can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity.
In severe cases, a semen allergy can cause anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually appear within minutes of exposure and require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Shortness of breath Wheezing Swelling of tongue or throat Rapid, weak pulse Dizziness or fainting Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

Semen allergy is mainly caused by proteins found in the sperm of men. Some research also suggests that certain medications or food allergens found in sperm may cause symptoms. Aside from unprotected sex, the risk factors for HSP are not clear.
Semen allergy can develop in women who do not have any prior symptoms after exposure to semen. You may also experience these symptoms with one sexual partner but not another.
Although a semen allergy can occur at any time, many women report that their symptoms begin in their early 30s. Research shows that many women with this disorder also have recurrent vaginitis before being diagnosed.

You should immediately go to a medical facility for examination if you develop unusual symptoms after coming into contact with semen. Currently, studies on semen allergy - HSP are still limited. This can easily confuse the diagnosis with some other medical conditions, such as:
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or herpes Chronic vaginitis Yeast infections Vaginitis caused bacteria If you are still concerned about your condition, ask your doctor to schedule a skin prick or skin test.
To perform this procedure, your doctor will need a sample of your partner's semen. Your doctor will inject a small, diluted amount of this sample under your skin. If symptoms appear, your doctor can diagnose HSP. If the test doesn't trigger symptoms, your doctor may draw blood or conduct another diagnostic test.

Treatment of semen allergy aims to minimize or prevent symptoms. The best way is to wear a condom every time you have sex. Men who are allergic to their semen should also wear a condom when masturbating, although this may not prevent some systemic symptoms.
5.1. Desensitization If you don't want to wear a condom, talk to your doctor about desensitization options. An allergist or immunologist will place a dilute semen solution inside your vagina or onto your penis every 20 minutes or so. This process will continue until you can tolerate exposure to undiluted semen without experiencing symptoms.
After initial desensitization, consistent exposure is required to maintain your tolerance. For example, people who are allergic to their partner's semen will have to have sex after 48 hours.
5.2. Using drugs

Your doctor may also recommend that you take an over-the-counter antihistamine before any sexual activity. This can help minimize your symptoms, especially if you or your partner choose not to use condoms to prevent exposure.
If severe symptoms appear, your doctor will advise you to carry an EpiPen. You should get this injection at the first sign of serious symptoms, and then seek immediate medical attention.

Semen allergy can make it difficult for some women to conceive. While an allergy doesn't directly affect fertility, its symptoms can interfere with your ability to have sex.
In mild cases, you can take medication or use desensitization to relieve the symptoms. But if you want to conceive and sex is not an option, your doctor may recommend that you perform intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In both cases, your partner's sperm will be washed with protein before being injected. This can help prevent an allergic reaction. Success rates will vary for IUI and IVF, so talk to your doctor about the best choice for you.
With IVF, about 20 to 35% of women have a chance of getting pregnant after one cycle. With IUI, about 5-15% of women have a chance of conceiving after one cycle.

Semen allergy can cause anaphylaxis if the condition becomes severe. You should seek immediate medical attention if you begin to experience symptoms such as:
Difficulty breathing Wheezing Swelling of tongue or throat Rapid pulse, weakness Dizziness or fainting Nausea Vomiting Vomiting sperm allergy Translation can also have a negative impact on your relationships. If this disorder makes it difficult for you to be intimate with your partner, you should participate in couple therapy. A counselor can help you and your partner navigate this diagnosis and explore other options for intimacy. It is not clear whether this allergy can be passed on to the next generation.
Semen allergy is a rare condition where, like any allergy, a semen allergy can develop or fade over time. If you are experiencing symptoms of an illness, it is important that you see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
If left untreated, semen allergy can disrupt your sex life and affect your overall health. Your doctor will work with you to come up with a plan to manage your symptoms, as well as discuss your options for family planning.

Treatment to relieve an allergic reaction to your partner's semen may allow you to conceive naturally. If you have a severe sensitivity to semen, intrauterine insemination - which uses washed sperm with no protein in the semen to prevent a reaction - or in vitro fertilization are helpful options.
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References: healthline.com, mayoclinic.org, babycenter.com