Can Sperm Cause Itching And Burning? Causes, Symptoms and Prevention of Semen Allergy

Do you are feeling itchy and uncomfortable in your most sensitive parts after intercourse? It is probably not an STI or poor hygiene. It could possibly be one thing far rarer: a sperm allergy.

Sure, sperm allergy symptoms are actual, and although they’re uncommon, they will make sex painful or perhaps a medically dangerous expertise for some ladies. This situation is thought medically as seminal plasma hypersensitivity, and it typically goes undiagnosed as a result of folks don’t even realize it exists.

What Is Semen Allergy?

Semen allergy is a response to sure proteins present in a man’s semen. These proteins exist not simply within the sperm itself, however in your entire fluid, which is why the official identify for the situation is seminal plasma hypersensitivity.

When a girl’s immune system is available in contact with these proteins, it might mistakenly see them as harmful invaders, triggering an allergic reaction.

It’s much like how some folks react to meals like peanuts or seafood. These reactions can vary from delicate irritation to extreme signs like:

• Itching or burning

• Redness and swelling within the vaginal space

• Hives or rashes

• Respiration issue

• In excessive circumstances, anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening response

READ MORE: 7 interesting facts about sperm every man should know

Semen Allergy Signs

That is the place issues get tough, as a result of the signs typically mimic different widespread vaginal points like yeast infections, UTIs, or STIs. That’s why many ladies are misdiagnosed and will spend months treating the flawed situation.

Right here’s what to look out for, particularly if it occurs after unprotected intercourse:

• Itching or a burning sensation within the vagina

• Swelling or redness inside minutes or hours

• Vaginal rash, hives, or discomfort

• Signs that ease when condoms are used or when there is no ejaculation

If these signs happen repeatedly after intercourse with the identical associate and disappear when condoms are used, it is perhaps a clue that semen is the set off.

SEE THIS: 3 side effects of condoms you never knew

Are you able to be allergic to only one particular person’s sperm?

Surprisingly, sure. In lots of circumstances, the allergic response is partner-specific, that means a girl could react to 1 man’s seminal fluid however to not one other’s.

That’s as a result of every man’s seminal fluid comprises completely different protein buildings, very like how one particular person may be allergic to cat hair however not canine hair.

That is why the situation may be so complicated, even for docs.

Who’s in danger?

Sperm allergy is extra possible in ladies who already produce other forms of allergy symptoms, reminiscent of food allergies, eczema, bronchial asthma or hay fever.

It additionally tends to indicate up extra in ladies of their 20s and 30s, notably those that haven’t had frequent publicity to semen, reminiscent of virgins, newlyweds, or these having intercourse once more after a very long time.

How is it identified?

There’s no self-test or drugstore equipment for this. Prognosis often entails:

• A full medical and sexual historical past

• Ruling out STIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis

• Generally, a pores and skin prick check utilizing the associate’s semen beneath shut medical supervision

A health care provider may ask you to attempt intercourse with and and not using a condom to see if signs change. If the response occurs and not using a condom however disappears with one, that’s an enormous clue.

What are the remedy choices?

The excellent news is that sperm allergy is manageable. Remedy will depend on how extreme the signs are and whether or not the couple needs to have kids.

Listed below are some choices:

1. Condoms

The best and most typical approach to keep away from a response is by stopping direct contact with semen. Condoms are often very efficient on this case.

2. Allergy desensitisation

For girls who wish to conceive or favor to not use condoms, docs can carry out desensitisation remedy. This entails introducing small, diluted quantities of semen into the vagina over time to construct tolerance. It should be carried out in a medical setting.

3. Sperm washing (for fertility)

For {couples} making an attempt to get pregnant, sperm washing may be carried out. The seminal fluid (which causes the response) is eliminated, leaving simply the sperm. This washed sperm is then used for synthetic insemination.

4. Antihistamines or drugs

In delicate circumstances, antihistamines (like these used for seasonal allergy symptoms) may also help cut back or block the response. Some docs may prescribe corticosteroids or different allergy meds.

Can you continue to get pregnant?

Sure, however it might require medical assist. Because the allergy is to the seminal fluid and never the sperm itself, docs can isolate the sperm and help with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF, relying on the couple’s wants.

Being allergic to sperm could sound weird and even made-up, nevertheless it’s a authentic medical situation that may deeply have an effect on a girl’s bodily and emotional well-being. Many ladies endure in silence, misdiagnosed and confused about what’s taking place to their our bodies.

If you happen to or somebody you realize experiences constant discomfort or reactions after intercourse, don’t dismiss it. See a gynaecologist or allergist and ask the correct questions. Intimacy needs to be protected and pleasurable, not one thing you dread.

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