Imagine itching, burning, swelling, and even struggling to breathe in just a few moments of sex. That will not be a wierd story of a small but growing number of ladies – it is a medical condition. This is named seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) – allergies from semen.
This rare but low -diagnosed allergy will not be dynamic by sperm cells, but through the proteins within the seminal plasma – the fluid that lifts the sperm. Documentation in 1967 for the first timeWhen a girl was admitted to the hospital after a “violent allergic reaction” about sex, SPH is now often called one Type 1 highly sensitivityThe same category grass fever, peanut allergies and cat dender.
Symptoms are mild to severe. Some women face local reactions: burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vagina or vaginal swelling. Other physiological symptoms cause: hive, housewife, dizziness, nose and even infelaxis, potentially life -threatening immune response.
By 1997, SPH was considered to be affected by lower than 100 women globally. But A study Allergist Jonathan Burnstein has found that in women who report post -copyital symptoms, about 12 % may be classified as a possible SPH.
I Small, unpublished survey in 2013 And an analogous rate of 12 %. The real figures can still be high. Many cases are excluded as non -reporting, misinformation or STI, yeast infections, or common “sensitivity”. An Information Indicator: The symptoms disappear when the condoms are used.
The study of 2024 This search was strengthened, suggesting that SPH was more common and more commonly misused than the assumption within the previous.
The problem will not be a sperm
The essential allergen prostate related to the precise antigen (PSA) appears: not only a specific partner, a protein present in all seminal plasma. In other words, women can react to any man's semen, not their regular partner.
There can also be Evidence of cross -reactivation. For example, a protein present in the Dog Dander, the F5, is analogous to the structurally human PSA. Therefore, women could also be allergic to dogs to react to semen. In an unusual caseA Brazilian nut allergy woman rolled into the hive after sex, perhaps due to nut protein trace in her partner's semen.
The diagnosis begins with an in depth sexual and medical history, after which frequently Skin Pride Testing PSA -related antibodies (IGE) partner with mini or blood tests.
In our research to incorporate symbolic women, we demonstrated it Testing with washed superstozovaThe seminal free from plasma, may also help confirm that allergic trigger will not be self -sperm cells, but a seminal fluid is protein.
And they will not be just women. It is feasible that some men are allergic to their semen.
This condition, which is thought Post Orgasmic Disease Syndrome (POIS)Ejaculation immediately. After the flu symptoms, reminiscent of fatigue, mental fog and muscle aches. It is believed that that is an automatic or allergic response. Diagnosis is difficult, but an individual's skin testing together with his semen may cause a positive response.
What about fertility?
The high sensitivity of the seminal plasma does indirectly cause infertility, but it may complicate the concept. Avoiding allergies – Usually probably the most effective treatment for allergies – it will not be possible to attempt to attempt to get pregnant for the couple.
Reign Profilectic anthistamines (anthistamine drugs which can be expected to be an allergic exposure, or are expected to stop or reduce the severity of allergic reactions before allergic symptoms), add and add before adding anti -inflammatory and inflammatory severity. Outrage Using thin seminal plasma. In more serious cases, couples can select IVF with washed spermCompletely ignoring allergic stimulation.
It is vital to notice: SPH will not be a type of infertility. Many women with SPH have successfully pregnant – some naturally, with other medical help.
So why don't more people learn about it?
Because symptoms related to sex are sometimes unclear. The embarrassment, notoriety and lack of information in doctors mean that many ladies are silent. In Burnstein's 1997 study, almost HalF half of ladies who had symptoms after sex were never checked for SPH, and plenty of people spent years to misinterpret and misinterpret.
If the sexual routine leaves you itching, wounds or sick – and condoms – you might be allergic to semen.
The time has come to bring this hidden state to the shadow and to the consulting room.