Key Points
- Sperm and semen allergy are interchangeable terms often used. Both semen and sperm allergy refer to an allergic reaction to the proteins in your semen, and not directly the sperm
- Semen allergy is uncommon and is unusual to occur. Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity (HSP) is another name for semen allergy. You experience semen allergy when your body's immune system reacts to proteins in the seminal fluid
- Symptoms of HSP range from localized reactions like burning, itchiness and swelling in vulvovaginal areas; other symptoms include difficulty breathing, hives or gastrointestinal problems
- HSP is a rare condition that can affect both genders (male and female). HSP can be misunderstood for other health conditions like Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or yeast infection
- A few men are allergic to their own semen. The medical term for this condition is post-orgasmic illness syndrome. This condition can occur during your first unprotected sexual intercourse i.e. without a condom. This is where men feel flu-like symptoms after they ejaculate
- Semen allergies are of two types in general. They are localized or systemic
- Localized semen allergy is a condition where only your organs in direct contact with semen are affected. You may experience a burning sensation on genitals
- Systemic semen allergy affects your entire body; can cause breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of oral parts, etc.
Semen allergies are reactions of your immune system to a few proteins found in semen. Healthcare professionals have not zeroed-in on actual cause(s) of semen allergy. However, they do believe that a few medications, hormonal changes through events like menopause, pregnancy, etc., food sensitivities amid others can play a key role.
Composition Of Semen
Can You Be Allergic To Semen Or Sperm: Semen contains several substances including enzymes, nutrients, potassium, calcium, and amino acids. It is a complex fluid produced by male reproductive organs. It contains sperm and secretions from prostrate, bulbourethral glands, and seminal vesicles, which provide nutrients, and facilitates sperm transport.
Can You Be Allergic To Semen?
Semen allergy affects only few men and women. This is a scenario where your system has mistakenly identified protein as something that is harmful and would possibly trigger allergy.
Semen allergy symptoms could range from mild to severe depending upon the severity of the allergic reaction caused in your system. You could experience an allergic reaction from your own semen. At times, you might experience change in your skin color, swelling, or burning when semen contacts your vaginal tissues or skin.
Is Semen Allergy Common?
A semen allergy (human seminal plasma hypersensitivity) (HSP) is not a direct cause of infertility. However, some men and women are allergic to their own semen.
Few research studies reveal that semen allergy is more common in women. Nearly 40% of women exposed to semen allergy witness the signs after their first sexual intercourse. In addition, ~60% are aged between 20-30 years. However, healthcare experts are still unclear on how semen contact allergy occurs.
Diagnosis Of Semen Allergy
You can consult with an allergist or immunologist to treat semen allergy. Your caregiver will thoroughly examine your condition. A detailed checkup enables allergists identify actual causes.
Your medical history helps with more details on semen allergy. Details like what time allergic reactions occur, symptoms experienced, and previous exposures - if any are critical inputs.
These offer a better understanding of your condition. These can enable caregivers to figure-out cause(s) and also rule-out other underlying issues – if any. Moreover, these can also help doctors know of prior instances of such allergies.
Treatment options are several. Under clinical guidance, you can opt for a treatment suiting you best. Ignoring symptoms can make it worse as allergies can lead to more complications, affecting your wellbeing.
Diagnosis and treatment of HSP is done in the following manner-
- Skin Prick Test i.e. intradermal testing is a procedure; partner’s semen is injected under your skin. This is done under medical supervision only, as it carries more risks of severe reactions
- Serologic Testing is done to determine presence of antibodies like say, immunoglobulin E (IgE) in seminal plasma proteins. High levels of IgE antibodies point to allergies
It is recommended to avoid sexual activity with a partner having semen allergies. This helps prevent you from getting such allergies by contact.
Antihistamines relieve milder-symptoms like swelling and itchiness. These is available through prescription and as OTC meds. If symptoms are severe, corticosteroids are administered by caregivers; these can lessen inflammation.
Immunotherapy i.e. desensitization therapy helps gradually increase exposure to proteins in semen. This is done under supervision of caregivers. However, this option is required only if your condition is severe and when other treatments have failed.
For emergency use, you can carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). You may need however need it only if you have a history of severe allergies. Epinephrine helps combat life-threatening symptoms like anaphylaxis.
Bringing over a decade of expertise in pharmaceutical studies, I have dedicated my career to advancing knowledge in male sexual health. I focus on erectile dysfunction treatments, their mechanisms, and their impact on enhancing quality of life for individuals worldwide.
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