Sperm or semen allergy, also known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity, is a rare allergic reaction to proteins found in a man’s semen. Some women are affected by this condition.

Common symptoms of sperm allergy are itching, redness, pain, swelling and a burning sensation in the vaginal area.

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Symptoms begin about 10-30 minutes after contact with semen. They may not be restricted to the vaginal area alone, they can occur in any area that has contact with semen, including the skin and the mouth. Symptoms of semen allergy can last for a few hours or a few days.

Some women may only feel symptoms around the vaginal area, while for others, the symptoms can affect their entire body. They may have inflammations, swelling, trouble breathing, or anaphylaxis.

A woman may discover she has sperm allergy at the first time she had sex. For other women, the condition may become obvious after she has had other sexual partners with no allergic reaction. Sperm allergy may occur with one partner but not another, it may also happen suddenly with a longtime partner.

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Sperm allergy is often wrongly diagnosed as yeast infection, sexually-transmitted disease (STD) like herpes, or vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina). One indication for diagnosis is condom use. Sperm allergy occurs when a woman engages in unprotected sex with. The allergy may not be present with the use of condom.

For couples who are trying to conceive, sperm allergy can be exasperating since conception cannot occur with the use of condom. It can be a strain on most relationships. However, a woman can still achieve conception with sperm allergy. Sperm allergy does not affect her fertility and pregnancy can be achieved through artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, after sperm is washed.

Women with sperm allergy should consult their gynecologist or an allergist. A test called Intradermal testing, can be used to confirm whether a woman is allergic to her partner’s sperm. The test involves the doctor injecting a small amount of the partner’s semen under the skin to check for an allergy.

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Women should consult their gynecologist is they suspect they may be allergic to sperm. Antihistamines and condom use may help ease disturbing symptoms.

Source: http://www.healthdiary365.com/2018/01/10/how-to-know-if-youre-allergic-to-semen/