Yes, a woman can also be allergic to sex. When a person has a semen allergy, it seems like they are literally “allergic” to their partners. This condition is quite rare but fortunately, the allergy to semen can be cured.

In rare cases, women can also be allergic to semen. In medical language, semen allergy is also known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity. This condition is brought about by an overreaction of the body’s immune system with the protein component of a man’s semen. As soon as semen comes in contact with the skin, a person may experience symptoms such as itching, redness, burning sensation, pain, and swelling. This may occur after having vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse without using a protective barrier. Most of the time, allergic reactions are localized but there are also small chances of systemic reactions such as generalized itching, swelling, hives, and difficulty of breathing. Symptoms may occur within minutes after contact with semen, and may last for several hours to days.

Very rarely, men can also be allergic to their own or another male partner’s semen. There were reports of burning sensation and pain after ejaculation. The allergy to his own semen might have started when the semen comes in contact with his bloodstream such as during vasectomy or testicular trauma.

What Your Doctor Can Do For You

Sometimes, the symptoms are confused with sexually transmitted diseases like vaginal candidiasis. Therefore, one method to test for the presence of semen allergy is to check whether the symptoms disappear when using a condom during intercourse.

Fortunately, there is a way to reduce sensitivity to semen. Women who have seminal plasma sensitivity are still able to bear children. Through frequent sex and repeated exposure, a person can be desensitized to increase their tolerance to semen and lead a normal life. But it is still important to seek a doctor’s help as some reactions can be deadly.

Another technique for desensitization is through allergy shots containing minute amounts of the partner’s semen. There is also a so-called “seminal graded challenge” wherein increasing amounts of semen is placed inside a woman’s vagina every 20 minutes. This procedure may take several hours and is very laborious and costly. Antihistamines and the usual medication for other allergies have not been helpful.

What You Can Do

Because the symptoms of an allergy can greatly affect a person’s normal activities, it is essential to seek professional advice regarding treatment and avoidance of the causative agent. They may advice an affected person to have protected sexual intercourse in the future. It is also important to be tested for other diseases that may have similar symptoms with seminal plasma sensitivity. If an affected woman plans to become pregnant, consult an OB/GYN regarding this.