Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Top Stories

Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity: A Hidden Allergy Affecting Both Genders

Imagine experiencing itching, burning, swelling, or even struggling to breathe just moments after sex. For a small but growing number of women, this isn’t merely an awkward anecdote—it’s a medical condition known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), an allergy to proteins found in semen.

First documented in 1967 when a woman was hospitalized following a “violent allergic reaction” to sex, SPH is classified as a type 1 hypersensitivity. This places it in the same category as hay fever, peanut allergies, and cat dander reactions. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some women experiencing localized reactions such as burning, itching, redness, and swelling of the vulva or vagina. Others may endure full-body symptoms like hives, wheezing, dizziness, runny nose, and even anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening immune response.

The Growing Recognition of SPH

Until 1997, SPH was thought to affect fewer than 100 women globally. However, research led by allergist Jonathan Bernstein revealed that nearly 12% of women reporting postcoital symptoms could be classified as having probable SPH. A 2024 study further reinforced these findings, suggesting that SPH is more common and more frequently misdiagnosed than previously believed.

Many cases go unreported or are misdiagnosed as sexually transmitted infections, yeast infections, or general “sensitivity.” A revealing clue is that symptoms often disappear when condoms are used, highlighting the role of seminal plasma in triggering the reactions.

The Role of Prostate-Specific Antigen

The primary allergen in SPH appears to be prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein found in all seminal plasma. This means that women can develop a reaction to any man’s semen, not just that of a regular partner. There is also evidence of cross-reactivity; for example, Can f 5, a protein found in dog dander, is structurally similar to human PSA. Women allergic to dogs may find themselves reacting to semen as well. In one unusual case, a woman with a Brazil nut allergy broke out in hives after sex, likely due to trace nut proteins in her partner’s semen.

Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed sexual and medical history, often followed by skin prick testing with the partner’s semen or blood tests for PSA-specific antibodies (IgE). Research has shown that testing with washed spermatozoa, free from seminal plasma, can confirm that the allergic trigger is not the sperm cells themselves but proteins in the seminal fluid.

Men and Semen Allergies

It’s not just women who can suffer from semen-related allergies. Some men may be allergic to their own semen, a condition known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). This condition causes flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and muscle aches immediately after ejaculation. It is believed to be an autoimmune or allergic reaction, and diagnosis can be challenging. However, skin testing with a man’s own semen can yield a positive reaction.

Implications for Fertility

While SPH does not directly cause infertility, it can complicate conception. Avoiding the allergen is usually the most effective treatment for allergies, but this is not feasible for couples trying to conceive. Treatments for SPH include prophylactic antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and desensitization using diluted seminal plasma. In more severe cases, couples may opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with washed sperm, bypassing the allergic trigger altogether.

It’s important to note that SPH is not a form of infertility. Many women with SPH have conceived successfully, some naturally and others with medical assistance.

Raising Awareness and Understanding

Despite its impact, SPH remains a largely hidden condition. Sex-related symptoms often go unspoken due to embarrassment, stigma, and a lack of awareness among healthcare providers. In Bernstein’s 1997 study, almost half of the women who experienced symptoms after sex had never been checked for SPH, and many had spent years being misdiagnosed and receiving incorrect treatment.

If sex routinely leaves you itchy, sore, or unwell—and symptoms improve with condom use—you might be allergic to semen. It is crucial to bring this hidden condition out of the shadows and into the consultation room.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article by Michael Carroll, Reader / Associate Professor in Reproductive Science, Manchester Metropolitan University.

You May Also Like

Technology

Tesla (TSLA) recently reported a year-over-year drop in second-quarter deliveries, yet the market responded with optimism, pushing the stock up by 5%. This unexpected...

Health

The All England Lawn Tennis Club in London experienced its hottest-ever opening day on Monday, as the prestigious Wimbledon tournament kicked off under unprecedented...

Science

Look out, daters: a new toxic relationship trend is sweeping through the romantic world, leaving many baffled and heartbroken. Known as “Banksying,” this phenomenon...

Technology

In a bold reimagining of the DC Universe, director James Gunn has introduced a significant narrative element in his latest film, which reveals that...

Entertainment

Netflix’s eagerly anticipated talent competition Building the Band is set to premiere on July 9, promising an emotional journey for viewers. This series, centered...

Technology

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has recently made headlines with her latest investment in the tech sector. According to official filings, she...

Entertainment

A new documentary series titled “Animals on Drugs” is set to premiere on the Discovery Channel on July 28, 2023. The three-part series follows...

World

The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth, a practice that has come under scrutiny following recent comments by Health...

Sports

ZAGREB, Croatia — A concert by Marko Perkovic, a right-wing Croatian singer known for his controversial views, attracted tens of thousands of fans to...

Politics

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman faced significant backlash following his professional tennis debut at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island,...

Business

Erin Dana Lichy, a prominent cast member of “Real Housewives of New York,” has officially settled into her dream home, a grand townhouse located...

Lifestyle

The upcoming TRNSMT 2025 festival is set to take place from July 7 to July 9, 2025, at Glasgow Green, and organizers have released...

Technology

Meta has officially opened preorders for its new Oakley smart glasses, the limited edition HSTN, ahead of their anticipated release on July 22, 2023....

Entertainment

While the echoes of Summer Game Fest 2025 and the Xbox Games Showcase still resonate, Xbox has already set its sights on the next...

Sports

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the video game industry is set to deliver a diverse array of new releases that promise to captivate...

World

CHONBURI, Thailand — The world-famous pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, celebrated her first birthday on Thursday at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Despite her burgeoning...

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.