WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for April, 1997: Re: allergy to sperm

Re: allergy to sperm

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 4 Apr 1997 23:12:31 -0600 (CST)

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>Wendy S. wrote:
>>
>> I have a friend that has a severe allergic reaction to her husband's
>> sperm.

This is probably more common than most realize. The allergy is probably to the *semen* and not the sperm, and patients typically report severe burning, pain, redness, etc immediately after ejaculation, but not before. A "standard" workup might include evaluation for infection (even a yeast infection may cause similar symptoms) and advise to discontinue all potential irritants, including perfumed toilet paper, douches (they are usually unhealthy), sprays, spermicides, some lubricants such as vaseline, etc. There are reports of entire families having sensitivity to semen!

A diagnosis is often made clinically, based on the lack of symptoms with condoms and resumption of symptoms without them. Special testing of the skin to see if it's sensitive to semen (allergy testing) often helps make the diagnosis. Treatment options include using condoms, taking an antihistamine prior to intercourse, and injection of immunoglobulin or, I believe, a preparation of the semen, into the woman's blood (don't quote me on this)! I have 3 or 4 papers on this at my office (I'm at home now), but her doctor can find them using a Medline or similar search under the search string "semen allergy" or "semen and dyspareunia" (pain with intercourse).

I would assume an allergist, working in conjunction with a gynecologist, would be the best way to go for treatment. Another option would be to refer her to one of the authors of the few medical papers available on this. She may have to pay "out of pocket" for this since many HMOs will not authorize treatment outside of their area.

Good luck to her and to you.

--
Ashley Hill
D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
Assistant Director, Department of Ob/Gyn
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
Orlando, FL
dahmd@gate.net

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