Latest news with #partner

I thought I was infertile... but I have a rare condition that makes me 'allergic to sex'

Daily Mail

13 hours ago

Health
Daily Mail

I thought I was infertile... but I have a rare condition that makes me 'allergic to sex'

A 29-year-old woman who struggled to get pregnant and feared she might be infertile discovered that she was actually suffering from an extremely rare sperm allergy. The unnamed female from Lithuania had been trying to conceive with her male partner but had not become pregnant. Two rounds of IVF also failed to produce a pregnancy, but gynecological exams did not find any underlying causes for why she was unable to become pregnant. After doctors discovered she had a history of asthma and sensitivity to inhaled allergens, such as mold, cat fur and dust, she visited a medical facility to see if her allergies might be affecting her fertility. Allergy tests revealed that she had a sensitivity to Can f 5, which can cause allergic symptoms after contact with male dog urine, fur, and human semen. In an interview, the patient confirmed that she experienced nasal congestion and sneezing after unprotected intercourse with her male partner. Further tests using samples of semen collected from the woman's partner revealed she had a condition known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity, a rare allergic reaction to proteins found in seminal fluid - the fluid released during orgasm that includes sperm, as well as other bodily secretions. There are less than 100 documented cases of the condition globally and while it doesn't directly cause infertility, it can make it more difficult to conceive. Symptoms of semen allergy - which happens when you have a harmful immune system reaction to proteins in semen - include a change in skin color, burning and swelling where semen contacts the skin or vaginal tissues. Some people may have a whole-body response, including hives, itching and difficulty breathing. Due to discomfort, this allergy may discourage sexual activity and in some cases, lead to difficulty with conception. However, there are treatment options available to help couples conceive despite the allergy. The Mayo Clinic notes that treatment to make you less sensitive to your partner's semen - such as using antihistamines or corticosteroids - may allow you to get pregnant naturally. Another option is intrauterine insemination (IUI), which uses sperm washed free of semen proteins to prevent a reaction. For those with a severe sensitivity to semen, assisted reproductive technology such as IVF may be an option for pregnancy. It isn't clear why the female patient's IVF treatments did not work, given semen would not have been present in the implanted embryos. Another method used to treat seminal plasma hypersensitivity involves introducing increasing concentrations of semen into the patient's body to build tolerance. However, this treatment plan wasn't available for the woman in her home country, according to a report in Live Science. Instead, doctors recommended that the woman take antihistamine medication before intercourse to reduce the severity of her allergic reactions. She followed their instructions but found this approach 'ineffective'. Three years later, the woman said that she had still been unable to conceive during a follow-up appointment. To make matters worse, new allergic symptoms appeared after contact with her partner's semen, including a 'burning sensation in her vulva, puffy eyelids and watery eyes'. No further treatments were recommended, according to the report and it is unclear if the woman went on to conceive eventually. Dr Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, said seminal plasma hypersensitivity may affect more people than previously thought - and often goes undiagnosed. Writing for The Conversation, he warned it is often mistaken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yeast infections, and general sensitivity. But one clue you're in fact 'allergic to sex', is 'symptoms disappearing when condoms are used', he revealed. The sex allergy is now recognized as a 'type 1 hypersensitivity', falling into the same category as peanut allergy, cat dander, and season allergies. Seminal plasma hypersensitivity was first documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalized after a 'violent allergic reaction' to sex.

9 Stress-Free Ways to Bond and Connect With Your Mother-in-Law

Yahoo

18 hours ago

General
Yahoo

9 Stress-Free Ways to Bond and Connect With Your Mother-in-Law

This relationship can be tricky for some people, so we're here to help you navigate it with ease. When you're in a relationship, spending time with loved ones can become complicated—there are now two families to contend with, each with its own quirks, difficulties, traditions, and dynamics. Perhaps one of the trickiest relationships to navigate, though, is the one between you and your new (or soon-to-be) mother-in-law. There's no 'right' way to have a relationship with your mother-in-law. You might hit it off right from the beginning, or you may find that it takes time to have a breakthrough and become friends. You don't have to become attached at the hip, but there's always room to bond with your mother-in-law and make your relationship stronger. Having a good rapport (even if it's not a close one) will make life easier for you, your mother-in-law, your partner, and everyone else in the family. Luckily, there are lots of ways to bond with her. Some are about fostering emotional intimacy and others about spending quality time together. It's also important to remember that everyone has a different relationship with their mother-in-law, and it might be that you're never going to be super close. Still, taking opportunities to bond when you're able to will make you feel like you're on the same team. When in doubt, start small and build your way up—it's better to let it happen naturally than to force it. Simply spending time together in the same space can be a great start. If you're struggling to get close to your mother-in-law, here are nine ideas to get you started. Related: 7 Ways Mothers-in-Law Make Wedding Planning More Difficult Cook Together If the heart of the home is the kitchen, that's a great place to start bonding. Offering to help is always a good way to create warmth. Next time you're over, see if you can help her prepare a meal. If not, keep an eye out for other ways you could lend a hand—maybe she needs help gardening or watching after some younger family members. Just look for a way you can assist. Ask Her Questions About Her Life Asking her about her own life might seem simple, but it's so important. Often, we only see our partner's family as extensions of our partner, and we ignore the fact that they have their own lives, histories, and passions. You might be surprised to see just how far you get when you try asking your mother-in-law more about herself. Whether she runs her own business, grew up somewhere interesting, or has a lot of hobbies, try to gently question her (you don't want to look like you're prying) and see if you can get your mother-in-law to open up about herself. Go to a Movie or Play Together If you really have trouble making small talk with your mother-in-law, plays or movies can be a lifesaver. It's a way of spending time in the same space and experiencing something together while keeping conversations to a minimum—you spend most of the time sitting in silence watching something, after all. Afterward, you'll have an easy topic of discussion: the show's plot! Ask Her for Advice Another great way to build a connection is to make yourself vulnerable. You don't have to open up about all of your biggest fears but just asking for advice can help initiate a bond between two people. It doesn't have to be about something big and life-changing (although it can be), but reaching out and asking for her help might help soften things up, and it also shows that you respect her opinion. Whether it's asking for a recipe or advice for problems at the office, it's a good place to start. Host a Family Board Game Night As long as your partner's family isn't too cutthroat, a board game night can be a great way to bond and have fun. First, if you and your mother-in-law feel really distant, it can help to do a group activity before you get one-on-one time. Second, very few things in life are as revealing as watching someone play Monopoly. You'll make some memories, but you'll also really get to know each other. Related: How to Navigate Wedding Planning With Your Child's Future In-Laws Plan a Spa Day If your mother-in-law likes a bit of pampering, a spa day is another opportunity for bonding that doesn't have to involve a lot of emotional sharing. Book some manicures or massages (or both) for Mother's Day or a birthday. Everyone feels better when they're more relaxed, so you may find the conversation flows easier than you think. Talk About Your Partner's Childhood There can often be a weird, underlying sense of competition between you and your partner's mother. They raised them and knew them way back when, but chances are that you're the most important person in your partner's life now. Give a nod to the fact that your mother-in-law has been there since the beginning by asking about your partner's childhood, looking at old photos, and maybe even swapping embarrassing stories about your partner. It's a good way to show that you understand how important their relationship and history are, which can go a long way. Participate in One of Her Hobbies Pottery, yoga, gardening, rock climbing: It doesn't matter what it is, showing an interest in your mother-in-law's hobbies can be a really good peace offering. If they're a private person or you sense that they prefer a solo endeavor, it may be best to steer clear—but if they're up for a partner, try volunteering to join. Go for a Walk A good walk and some fresh air have a way of getting the conversation flowing—maybe it's because many of us do our best thinking when we're moving, or maybe it's just the outdoors that give us a gentle boost of endorphins. Heading out for an informal walk doesn't have the pressure of, 'We're doing this because we need to bond.' Instead, just take the opportunity when the time (and weather) is right and ask some general questions to get the bonding started. Up Next: The Absolute Worst Mother-in-Law Stories We've Ever Read on Reddit Read the original article on Brides Solve the daily Crossword

♈ Aries Daily Horoscope for July 22, 2025

UAE Moments

2 days ago

Entertainment
UAE Moments

♈ Aries Daily Horoscope for July 22, 2025

Big Aries energy meets big decisions. Are you ready to choose your next adventure? Today's vibe is bold, fiery, and full of potential—just the way you like it. The universe is handing you the mic, but what you say next could set the tone for the rest of your month. Choose your words (and your battles) wisely. Career: You're feeling ambitious, and it's a good day to pitch that idea or take the lead in meetings. Just be sure you're listening as much as you're speaking. Collaboration will earn you more respect than domination. Love: Your charm is magnetic right now, and someone definitely notices. If you're single, don't be afraid to make the first move. In a relationship? Surprise your partner with something spontaneous—they'll love your fiery unpredictability. Body: Time to burn off that excess energy! A fast-paced workout (or even a mini dance party) can help release some tension and improve your focus. You'll feel more grounded afterward. Mental Health: You might be a little impatient today, especially if things aren't moving fast enough for your liking. Breathe. Control what you can, and don't spiral about the rest.

Losing my job revealed parts of myself I didn't know were missing

Globe and Mail

3 days ago

General
Globe and Mail

Losing my job revealed parts of myself I didn't know were missing

First Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. Have a story to tell? See our guidelines at I lost my job in early 2025, and at first, I thought it was the end of the world – or at least the part I had built a good part of my identity around. As an older-ish millennial, I've always had a strong work ethic. I prioritized work constantly, felt responsible for everything and carried guilt like a phone full of screenshots I'll never organize but refuse to delete. I tried to run the mad race of parenting a young child, managing a home, keeping up with social obligations, avoiding ultraprocessed foods and getting in my 10,000 steps – all while answering Teams messages faster than a teenager on TikTok. It was exhausting. I worked long hours, skipped dinners and mentally labelled every shower thought as 'high priority.' I genuinely loved my work and my team, and I prided myself on doing things well. Every small win gave me a hit of dopamine that made the whole cycle addictive. I wore my stress like a fitness tracker: the higher the numbers, the better I thought I was doing. Then one morning, I was let go. Provincial budget cuts – just like that. Luckily, I have a supportive partner and didn't need to find something immediately. Even with the privilege to coast for a few months, I couldn't relax right away. I didn't know what to do with myself. I'd still wake up at 6 a.m. out of habit. I felt guilty for relaxing. I missed my performance metrics. I missed feeling needed. But something shifted. One afternoon, I picked my daughter up from school. Not in the usual rushed, 'get-in-the-car-we're-already-late' kind of way – but slowly. We walked home together. No e-mails pinging. No podcast trying to 'optimize' my parenting. Just … walking. And I heard it. Our feet on gravel. The rustle of trees. Cars zooming by and the occasional screech of tires. But, somehow, even those sounds felt real, grounding, peaceful even. I felt untied from the pace of the world for a moment, fully present. We stopped at Tim Hortons. She got a sprinkle donut the size of her face. We lingered at the park. Blew on dandelions. Chatted with neighbours a little too long. Wandered into the library to browse books. We sat on a bench, no time frame in mind, people-watching: 'That guy looks like he just realized he forgot his keys.' 'That lady's wearing pajama pants and heels – respect.' It felt like vacation vibes – but we were three blocks from home. Over the next few days, we kept walking. We took the long way to nowhere. Past a pond where some aggressively territorial geese reminded me who really runs these streets in Ontario. We'd pause for ice cream, admire sidewalk chalk drawings that had definitely seen better days and stop to observe what my daughter calls her favourite animal: the humble, cute little potato bug. Watching my daughter's joy, her curiosity about absolutely everything – from puddles to excavators – and realizing this is how life is supposed to feel. We've built this go-go-go culture like it's a virtue. But humans didn't evolve to sprint through life with Teams notifications in one hand and a protein bar in the other. We evolved to wander. To cook slowly. To tell stories. To read for hours without checking our phones. To make soup and actually taste it before drowning it in sriracha and moving on. These past few months, cooking stopped feeling like a task to 'get done' by 6:15 p.m. It became something I enjoyed. I finally understood why people say 'cooking is love made visible.' I even started reading The Lord of the Rings – a book that had been sitting on my to-read list for years, too dense for the life I used to rush through. Now, I'm making time for the stories I once thought I was too busy to enjoy – and for the parts of myself I'd quietly left behind. I'm not saying I don't need to work. Bills still exist, and my daughter still thinks money grows on credit cards. But I am saying that I won't go back to the version of me that put work above everything. Losing my job gave me back parts of myself I didn't even know were missing. Joy in the in-between moments. The space to feel wonder and the quiet satisfaction of doing nothing with someone you love. And the understanding that love doesn't have to look like self-sacrifice – it can look like a slow walk home, a geese standoff or the smell of perfectly toasted garlic. If you've been living life in fast-forward, maybe this is your sign to press pause. Take the long way home. Read a book just because. Make dinner like it's an art project, not a checklist. You don't need to wait for a layoff to slow down – you can choose to live differently now. Because life isn't meant to be squeezed in around the edges of work. It's meant to be lived. This isn't just a pause – it's a reset. From now on, life will come first. Family will come first. And work? It'll have to catch up. Sonia Upadhya lives in Milton, Ont.

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