How a semen allergy can have an effect on your intercourse life

Itching, burning, swelling and irritation are all seemingly signs of a semen allergy, often known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity or sperm allergy. Ladies might find yourself with vaginal itching or really feel a wierd burning sensation after intercourse if they could be allergic to their companion’s semen. Whereas there are lots of issues whether or not this allergy impacts fertility, one reality to know that semen allergy may very well have an effect on your intercourse life.

What’s semen?

Semen is the fluid that’s emitted from male reproductive tract containing sperms and different secretions referred to as seminal plasma secreted from varied glands like seminal vesicles, explains gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Meenu Handa. It comprises many constituents like fructose, amino acids, prostaglandins, calcium, potassium and protein splitting enzymes. It sometimes has a whitish-grey in color and a barely alkaline pH.

What are the causes of semen allergy in girls?

It’s a uncommon situation the place a lady’s immune system reacts adversely to proteins present in semen, says the professional. Listed below are some potential causes and elements related to semen allergy in some girls:

1. Immune response

Semen allergy is actually the immune system’s response to particular proteins present in semen. The immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as dangerous invaders and produces antibodies towards them, resulting in allergic signs upon publicity.

2. Hypersensitivity

Some girls might have a heightened sensitivity or predisposition to develop allergic reactions, together with semen allergy. Ladies with a historical past of different allergic reactions, comparable to meals allergic reactions, could also be extra liable to growing semen allergy.

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3. Hormonal modifications

Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle or being pregnant can have an effect on the immune system’s response and will affect the severity of allergic reactions to semen in some girls, says the professional. Modifications in hormone ranges can even have an effect on vaginal pH and lubrication, doubtlessly exacerbating signs.

4. Earlier sexual companions

Publicity to completely different semen proteins from a number of sexual companions might set off allergic reactions in inclined girls. It is because every individual’s semen comprises a singular mixture of proteins, and repeated publicity can sensitise the immune system.

5. Cross-reactivity

Some proteins in semen might share similarities with proteins present in different bodily fluids or substances, comparable to latex or sure meals. Cross-reactivity between these proteins can result in allergic reactions in girls with present allergic reactions to associated substances.

What are the signs of semen allergy in girls?

Semen allergy could cause a variety of signs in affected girls. These signs sometimes happen shortly after publicity to semen and might fluctuate in severity from gentle to extreme. It will probably trigger redness, burning sensation or ache or hives and itching round vagina and the vulva space. Listed below are some frequent signs of semen allergy:

• Vaginal itching or burning
• Redness and swelling
• Irregular vaginal discharge, which can be watery or thick and will have an uncommon odour.
• Hives (raised, pink welts) on the pores and skin
• Localised rash

This allergy can have an effect on girls of any age group, however a analysis printed within the Medical & Experimental Allergy journal in 2004 discovered that many ladies reported that their signs began throughout their early 30s.

How does semen allergy have an effect on intercourse life?

Semen allergy in girls could cause vaginal itching, irritation, or discomfort that may occur throughout intercourse and persist even after intercourse. This may are available in the way in which of a satisfying intercourse life. Ladies with semen allergy might also expertise ache, discomfort, or a way of rawness throughout or after intercourse, says Dr Handa. Since girls with semen allergy might keep away from or expertise discomfort throughout intercourse, it might probably result in decreased sexual frequency and satisfaction.

Easy methods to handle semen allergy?

Many ladies with semen allergy can successfully handle their signs and luxuriate in a satisfying intercourse life. Right here’s what you might want to learn about managing semen allergy:

1. Avoidance

Probably the most easy method to managing semen allergy is to keep away from publicity to semen. This may occasionally contain utilizing barrier strategies of contraception, comparable to condoms, throughout intercourse.

2. Drugs

Over-the-counter or prescription drugs could also be used to handle signs of semen allergy. Docs might inform you to have Antihistamine to
cut back itching and irritation down there. Topical corticosteroids or different anti-inflammatory lotions might also be really useful for localised pores and skin reactions, says the professional.

3. Life-style modifications

Making life-style modifications, comparable to training good genital hygiene and sporting breathable cotton underwear, can assist minimise discomfort and cut back the chance of secondary infections or irritation.

Does semen allergy have an effect on fertility?

Signs comparable to itching, burning or swelling could make intercourse uncomfortable or painful, doubtlessly affecting sexual frequency and intimacy. Whereas semen allergy itself doesn’t instantly have an effect on fertility, the discomfort and avoidance of intercourse might not directly affect a pair’s means to conceive, says the professional. If {couples} are unable to have intercourse usually as a consequence of allergic reactions then Synthetic Insemination with no sperm from seminal plasma can assist to get pregnant.