Get to know “semen allergy”: what is it, what are the symptoms, how to treat it, and why women need to be careful. Semen allergy (semen plasma hypersensitivity) is an allergic reaction to the proteins in semen. Semen allergy can lead to itchy and burning skin, hives, swelling, and more. Using condoms and taking medications may help prevent reactions.
People may also refer to semen allergies as sperm allergy, semen contact allergy, or human semen plasma hypersensitivity (HSP). It is not clear how many people HSP affects, but research suggests that about 8% of
women in the United States have it.
In this article, we will examine semen allergy and who is affected. We will also look at possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Symptoms of semen allergy
People may experience symptoms 10-30 minutes after exposure to semen, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours. However, localized pain, itching, and general discomfort can last for days to weeks. Once a person experiences symptoms of HSP, they often experience them regardless of their sexual partners. However, in some cases, symptoms may only occur with some sexual partners.
Semen allergy symptoms can affect the vagina and vulva, the penis, or any area that comes into contact with semen, including the hands, mouth, breasts,สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที, and anus.
Symptoms may occur only in the affected area and include:
- Changes in skin color of the affected area
- Itching
- Pain
- Burning sensation
- Swelling
Blisters around the vagina and vulva and on the penis can also occur, although this is less common.
In some cases, HSP symptoms can affect the entire body, which can result in:
- urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, and throat
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
If people experience a life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, they should seek emergency medical help.
Causes and risk factors of semen allergy
- Semen allergy is a rare condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to proteins in semen, causing an allergic reaction. No one knows why HSP develops.
- Semen allergy most commonly affects women. More than 40% of women with HSP may experience this symptom after their first sexual encounter.
- Of those who develop HSP, more than 60% may be diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 30. Some may first experience HSP after menopause.
- People may experience HSP with one partner but not another. It can occur immediately with a long-term partner.
- People with a family history of HSP may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Treatment options for semen allergy
Treatment options for HSP may include:
- Use of barrier methods of birth control such as condoms
- Taking oral antihistamines 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Keeping an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, handy in case of a severe allergic reaction.
- Desensitization treatment, which may involve diluting a partner’s semen in small amounts into the vagina or injecting semen protein under the skin.
Semen hypersensitivity (HSP) is an allergic reaction to proteins in semen. People may have a semen allergy if they notice symptoms of an allergic reaction after coming into contact with semen. Symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including itching, redness, and swelling. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and blood tests or allergy skin tests to diagnose HSP.
Treatment for HSP may include barrier methods of birth control, such as condoms, antihistamines, or allergen desensitization. People with HSP may also need to use artificial insemination, or IVF, to conceive. If people have severe allergic reactions, they should seek emergency medical help right away.