Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a surprisingly common allergy
Plus, when to call 999 after an allergic reaction
LOVE HURTS Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a surprisingly common allergy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
ITCHY genitals, a burning sensation, and feeling breathless are all considered normal after sex.
But for a growing number of women, these symptoms could be a sign of seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) - an allergy to semen.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
A growing number of women could suffer with a semen allergy
Credit: Getty
While it's considered a rare allergy, it's also underdiagnosed.
And Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explains it isn't triggered by sperm cells, but the fluid that carried the sperm.
He said: "First documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalised after a 'violent allergic reaction' to sex, SPH is now recognised as a type 1 hypersensitivity, the same category as hay fever, peanut allergy and cat dander."
Writing for The Conversation, Carroll says symptoms of SPH can range from mild to severe.
Read more on sex
A DROUGHT The sex position & tips that will keep you cool whilst you're getting heated
While some women experience local reactions, such as burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vulva or vagina, others develop full-body symptoms, like hives, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis.
He added: "Until 1977, SPH was thought to affect fewer than 100 women globally.
"But a study led by allergist Jonathan Bernstein found among women reporting postcoital symptoms, nearly 12 per cent could be classified as having probable SPH.
"I conducted a small, unpublished survey in 2013 and found a similar 12 per cent rate. The true figure may be higher still.
"Many cases go unreported, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as STIs, yeast infections, or general 'sensitivity'.
"One revealing clue: symptoms disappear when condoms are used."
Grand Designs' 'most ambitious project EVER' as parents build incredible allergy-proof 'healthy house' to protect kids
The main allergen, according to Carroll, is prostate-specific antigen - a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland.
And cross-reactivity is a possibility, for example, f5, a protein found in dog dander, is structurally similar to PSA.
So a woman allergic to dogs may also be allergic to semen too.
Also, woman may not be the only ones affected, said Carroll.
It's possible some men be allergic to their own semen too.
A paper published in American Journal of Case Reports described a 22-year-old was consumed by sneezing, watery eyes, stomach cramps, muscle pain and deep fatigue in the hours after climaxing.
The condition is known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS).
While SPH doesn't cause infertility directly, it can complicate conception.
Carroll said: "Avoiding the allergen – usually the most effective treatment for allergies – isn't feasible for couples trying to conceive.
Treatments include prophylactic antihistamines (antihistamine medications taken in advance of anticipated exposure to an allergen, or before allergy symptoms are expected to appear to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions), anti-inflammatories and desensitisation using diluted seminal plasma. In more severe cases, couples may choose IVF with washed sperm, bypassing the allergic trigger altogether.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
30 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Family doctors must ask if patients are secretly using fat jabs, say health experts
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FAMILY doctors should ask if patients are secretly using fat jabs, experts say. People with symptoms such as dizziness or gut pain could be suffering side effects from the drugs or have a separate illness. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Family doctors should ask if patients are secretly using fat jabs Credit: Alamy GPs could also advise about stopping the weight-loss injections before becoming pregnant and the chance of long-term risks. About 1.5 million people are privately buying medicines such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic. Users should discuss it with their surgery, but NHS doctors will generally not help patients medicate themselves. Obesity Management Collaborative UK has issued guidelines to help doctors spot those who keep quiet. Dr Laurence Dobbie, of King's College London, said: 'People taking these medicines are seeing GPs with lots of different problems. 'We want GPs to have the basic knowledge to prioritise patient safety and demystify side effects.' These can include vomiting and diarrhoea. But the report warns medics should also be mindful of rarer ones such as pancreatitis and bowel obstructions. Mounjaro is available on the NHS from this week for obese people with specific health issues.
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I've lost 4st on Mounjaro without any grim side effects – it's all thanks to two hacks that put a stop to them
Read on for the side effects that can be caused by weight loss jabs WEIGHT TO GO I've lost 4st on Mounjaro without any grim side effects – it's all thanks to two hacks that put a stop to them Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has revealed that she has lost over 4st using weight loss injections. Kathryn Elizabeth, from the UK, took to social media to share her journey and the tips she had for others on Mounjaro. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Kathryn shared her top tricks to getting through Mounjaro without negative side effects Credit: Tiktok/@kathrynelizabethx 2 Sh had already lost 4st in six months Credit: Tiktok/@kathrynelizabethx After being on Mounjaro for six months, she shared the things she wish she knew before starting her journey. In the clip, she said: "The weight won't magically come off, you need to have a lifestyle change." She said walking and a calorie deficit were vital to shift weight even with the help of the fat loss jab. Kathryn also warned that you won't notice the weight loss on yourself for months even if it is happening. "That being said, my face was the first place I noticed it," she explained. Kathryn also had some advice for those dealing with negative side effects of the drug. She said: "Drink at least 3 litres of water a day, trust me. It makes the world of difference for how you feel day to day and helps numerous side effects." After losing 4st, she also revealed fibre was super important to help shift the weight. With weight loss jabs, many people feel less hungry so struggle to eat enough fibre. But Kathryn recommended fibre supplements to make sure you get the daily recommendation. I lost 98lb on Mounjaro but it's surprise side benefit that is life-changing "I'm a terrible veg eater so I get mine mainly through vitamins, oats or fibre bars you can buy at the shops. Graze do one that is sticky toffee pudding flavour and it's great," she added. Kathryn also warned those going on the drug not to totally restrict what they eat and drink. She said you can have everything in moderation instead of changing your whole diet. The clip has since gone viral on her TikTok account @kathrynelizabethx with over 160k views and 2,000 likes. People were quick to share their experiences in the comments. One person wrote: "My nausea is so bad for the first two days and I have absolutely no appetite whatsoever! I feel like I can't win." Another commented: "Completely agree with all of this! I'm at the end of my 5th week and lost 18lbs. Feeling good, and both myself and friends have said they can see a difference." "Do you still have to drink water even if you've got no side effects?" penned a third. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Kathryn replied: "Yes! I found that the days I haven't drunk enough water I get the side effects the next day. It's a vicious cycle." Meanwhile a fourth said: "Looking fabulous! Well done!" "You look amazing,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "My favourite part is scaring the daylights out of people I've not seen in a year. I'm a new me."
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a surprisingly common allergy
Plus, when to call 999 after an allergic reaction LOVE HURTS Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a surprisingly common allergy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ITCHY genitals, a burning sensation, and feeling breathless are all considered normal after sex. But for a growing number of women, these symptoms could be a sign of seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) - an allergy to semen. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A growing number of women could suffer with a semen allergy Credit: Getty While it's considered a rare allergy, it's also underdiagnosed. And Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explains it isn't triggered by sperm cells, but the fluid that carried the sperm. He said: "First documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalised after a 'violent allergic reaction' to sex, SPH is now recognised as a type 1 hypersensitivity, the same category as hay fever, peanut allergy and cat dander." Writing for The Conversation, Carroll says symptoms of SPH can range from mild to severe. Read more on sex A DROUGHT The sex position & tips that will keep you cool whilst you're getting heated While some women experience local reactions, such as burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vulva or vagina, others develop full-body symptoms, like hives, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis. He added: "Until 1977, SPH was thought to affect fewer than 100 women globally. "But a study led by allergist Jonathan Bernstein found among women reporting postcoital symptoms, nearly 12 per cent could be classified as having probable SPH. "I conducted a small, unpublished survey in 2013 and found a similar 12 per cent rate. The true figure may be higher still. "Many cases go unreported, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as STIs, yeast infections, or general 'sensitivity'. "One revealing clue: symptoms disappear when condoms are used." Grand Designs' 'most ambitious project EVER' as parents build incredible allergy-proof 'healthy house' to protect kids The main allergen, according to Carroll, is prostate-specific antigen - a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. And cross-reactivity is a possibility, for example, f5, a protein found in dog dander, is structurally similar to PSA. So a woman allergic to dogs may also be allergic to semen too. Also, woman may not be the only ones affected, said Carroll. It's possible some men be allergic to their own semen too. A paper published in American Journal of Case Reports described a 22-year-old was consumed by sneezing, watery eyes, stomach cramps, muscle pain and deep fatigue in the hours after climaxing. The condition is known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). While SPH doesn't cause infertility directly, it can complicate conception. Carroll said: "Avoiding the allergen – usually the most effective treatment for allergies – isn't feasible for couples trying to conceive. Treatments include prophylactic antihistamines (antihistamine medications taken in advance of anticipated exposure to an allergen, or before allergy symptoms are expected to appear to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions), anti-inflammatories and desensitisation using diluted seminal plasma. In more severe cases, couples may choose IVF with washed sperm, bypassing the allergic trigger altogether.
