Semen allergy

In modern society, the human body is surrounded by an ever-increasing number of allergenic products and objects that put our immune system in a state of constant combat readiness. Due to the large number of allergens-provocateurs, the immune system increasingly makes mistakes and medicine increasingly encounters new types of hyperimmune reactions. One of these types of allergic reactions has become an allergy to sperm.

One should not exclude the possibility of overdiagnosis as a result of the vagueness of the manifestations of general allergic symptoms and insufficient knowledge of the mechanism of provocation of the immune system. However, one cannot deny the fact that even with an in-depth examination, alternative diagnoses are becoming fewer and fewer and allergy to sperm is confirmed in an increasing number of the population.

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Why does allergy to sperm occur?

Very often, the manifestation of various irritations on the mucous membranes after sexual intercourse is caused by the manifestation of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), overly active actions of partners, which lead to mechanical damage to the mucous membranes, or a banal lack of lubricants in the partner.

Also, the cause of allergic reactions after sexual intercourse may be traces of various medications in the partner’s ejaculate, traces of his hygiene product, various lubricants used by the couple.

Actually, allergy to sperm is definitely diagnosed by contact allergy tests conducted by the appropriate specialists. At the same time, the fact is taken into account that an allergy to the husband's sperm does not guarantee the appearance of the same allergic reaction to the sperm of another man.

Allergy to sperm is divided into 2 types of allergy - allergy to sperm as ejaculate, in which there is no or no sufficient amount of antibodies to cause damage to sperm, that is, the possibility of conception remains and allergic manifestations do not cause infertility in the couple. The second type of allergic response is aimed at producing antibodies to a foreign protein, actually to the sperm itself, that is, conception is practically impossible and with this type of allergy to sperm, infertility of the couple occurs with physical and emotional health of the partners. In addition to allergy tests, the second type of allergy is diagnosed using a biochemical blood test for the presence of antibodies produced specifically to a foreign (male) protein. Often, with the second type of allergy, external manifestations (symptoms) are smoothed out and do not cause concern. This type of allergy (true incompatibility of partners) also does not guarantee the occurrence of allergic reactions in a woman to the protein (sperm) of the other partner.

How does sperm allergy manifest itself?

Allergy to sperm is quite explainable, the mechanism of development and maintenance of the disease is similar to the mechanism of development of allergy to any protein product entering the body or coming into contact with it externally. It is quite logical that scientists assume that with a high degree of probability allergy to sperm will be those people who already have a low threshold of hyperimmune response to foreign proteins, as well as those suffering from various types of allergies or being in extremely unfavorable environmental conditions.

The symptoms of allergic reactions to sperm are similar to general allergies, this is

• various dermatoses;
• manifestations of irritation of the mucous membranes (both at the points of contact and manifested in the form of lacrimation, mild rhinitis);
• swelling;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• asthmatic attacks as manifestations of smooth muscle spasm;
• loss of consciousness;
• manifestations of circulatory disorders are possible.

Local reactions in the form of pain, burning, and itching are particularly pronounced, which is explained by direct contact with the allergen.

The manifestations of an allergic reaction can last up to two weeks, which generally coincides with the standard time for the immune response to any allergen previously known to science to subside.

How is sperm allergy recognized?

Diagnosis of a disease such as sperm allergy includes direct diagnosis of the allergy itself and differential diagnosis of it from various diseases with similar symptoms.

Allergy to sperm can also occur in men as a classic manifestation of an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms are similar to general allergic manifestations. Diagnosis of this disorder in men is carried out by analyzing the content of antibodies in the bloodstream and using contact allergy tests; if a positive reaction is detected, the diagnosis of "allergy to sperm" is made.

How is sperm allergy treated?

Help with the manifestation of allergy to sperm depends on the goals, degree of expression and type of immune disorder. First, you should stop contact with the allergen and then use a condom during sexual intercourse.

The method of desensitization (reduced sensitivity) is widely used to reduce the immune response until it disappears in the presence of an allergen. This method is very painstaking and lengthy, is carried out under the supervision of specialists and is not always effective. Along with desensitization, the use of conventional antihistamines is recommended (in the form of local ointments and gels, in the form of tablets as a preventive measure against the development of symptoms immediately before sexual intercourse)

The methods used to treat sperm allergy often do not take into account the couple's desire to have offspring, so the simplest way out of the situation is artificial insemination. Achieving desensitization method most safely leads to conception, but with some reservations. In case of achieving positive dynamics by this method, it should be remembered that the result of desensitization is preserved only with regular intake of the allergen into the body.

All types of assistance aimed at alleviating the symptoms of sperm allergy often come down to reducing the number of contacts with the allergen, taking medications, and do not consider the manifestation of allergy as a systemic disorder under unfavorable environmental conditions. To prevent the development of severe allergic conditions, one should not neglect minimal manifestations of allergic reactions, promptly eliminate additional allergens from the surrounding space, not neglect healthy nutrition and adhere to a healthy daily routine. Very often, the simplest healthy lifestyle skills lead to a significant improvement in the condition. It should be remembered that there is a very close relationship between emotional well-being, hormonal balance and the state of the immune system.

Like any other type of allergy, allergy to sperm is a classic manifestation of allergy, which reduces the overall quality of life, imposes a lot of restrictions, can lead to the development of other types of allergies and requires painstaking treatment.