There's a pretty rare condition for women which means they are allergic to having sex with male partners.
Dr José Costa, a top allergy doctor and senior member of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology responsible for NICE allergy guidelines, has opened up a little more about the diagnosis and all the science behind it.
It affects about 8% of women in the US, however, as the condition has often been mistaken for other health problems - it's probable that the actual number is higher.
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The condition in question is having a semen allergy - meaning, of course, men who have sex with other men will also be affected.
However, with that said, all of Dr Costa’s patients have been women.
What is a semen allergy and why can you be allergic?
Speaking to Metro, the health professional revealed: "On average, I see one or two patients per year presenting with what is known as Human Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity (HSPH).
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"It is an allergy to specific proteins in seminal fluid. These proteins can lead to an immunological reaction in the allergic person, leading to what we call histamine release and typical allergic symptoms."
Now, the allergy is down to the proteins present in semen with the major one being Prostate-Specific Antigen.
He adds: "If someone is allergic to Prostate-Specific Antigen, sexual or skin contact, can lead to either a local allergic reaction (via skin contact) or a more disseminated reaction."
And, he explains, the only accurate way to confirm if you have a semen allergy is with an allergy test at a clinic.
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What are the symptoms of a semen allergy?
"Symptoms of a semen allergy commonly present as vaginal itching, varying in presentation depending on the severity of the reaction," Dr Costa informs.
Opening up on the misdiagnosis of the condition, he continued: "Due to being often misdiagnosed, it is common for the signs to be mistaken for chronic vaginitis.
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"The common symptoms are redness, swelling, burning or itching – mainly to either the vagina, anus or oral cavity.
"More systemic symptoms are uncommon, and they can present with itching, development of hives, and, eventually, breathing difficulty, also known as anaphylaxis."
And that's not all, as semen can also cause skin irritation which is known as 'allergic contact dermatitis' - something that can cause redness or hives.
According to the doc, symptoms will present in any area of the body exposed to semen, and the volume of semen will determine the length and severity of the reaction.
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Dr Costa also notes that 'there’s no reason why it cannot affect homosexual men', adding: "The symptoms would present in exactly the same way in a man. A man can also be allergic to his own semen, this is known as Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome (POIS)."
How to treat a semen allergy
So, how on earth do you go about treating such a condition?
Well, the doctor advises: "It would be wise to consult with an allergist to check if the reaction was to a spermicide or latex present in condoms in the first instance."
But, if the allergist finds that you are in fact allergic to semen then using condoms would prevent the development of any symptoms.
Now, Dr Costa reassures, a semen allergy does not actually impact your fertility, as he explains: "Having HSPH does not impact conception, so, taking antihistamines 1/2 to 1 hour before having sex can help symptoms."
While this may help control the symptoms, just like other allergies like hayfever, it cannot cure it.
So, if you're concerned you may have a semen allergy then, of course, raise it with your GP who can help you get an accurate diagnosis.
"The women I diagnose tend to be older sexually active female teens, as well as mothers of my younger patients, seeking advice on their own symptoms," Dr Costa says.
While there may be somewhat of a 'social stigma' attached to having an allergic reaction to having sex with your partner - you should still get your symptoms checked out and put your health first!
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, Life
Rhiannon Ingle