There is indeed a sperm allergy – if only rarely. Here you will learn about possible causes, which symptoms arise and which treatment helps.
What is a sperm allergy?
In case of a sperm allergy, contact with sperm causes typical allergy symptoms such as skin irritation or nausea. Affected persons do not react to the semen itself, but to the sperm that contains sperm (“seminal plasma”). The allergen in question is the so-called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – this protein is produced by the prostate and is present in the sperm of every man. Women can protect themselves from the symptoms with a condom, and hyposensitization also helps.
How often does a sperm allergy occur?
The allergy is very rare – worldwide only 100 cases are described in the literature, however, there are data from the US, which emanate from about 20,000 to 40,000 people with allergies. The dark figure is likely to be much higher. Many sufferers are embarrassed by the condition, so they do not want to talk to their doctor about it.
What allergic reactions occur?
The symptoms are similar to those of other allergies such as hay fever . The most common complaints are:
- Rash, redness and wheals
- nausea
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- Shortness of breath (in case of severe allergy )
What if I have a severe allergic reaction?
In the worst case, it can lead to an anaphylactic reaction, so an allergic shock. This can be life-threatening – it should be understood immediately the ambulance. Incidentally, experts estimate that in around half of all patients there is another allergy that can cause further symptoms .
What can I do with a sperm allergy?
For women, it is easiest to protect themselves from the symptoms by using condoms. It becomes tricky if there is a wish for a child – healthy women are recommended here the way of an artificial insemination. However, this is not paid by the health insurance.
For men and women, if the symptoms are mild, anti-allergy medications may be taken before sex. In the long term, hyposensitization can also help.