Vasectomy Symptoms
Semen allergy is very rare. Symptoms however include redness, burning and swelling where the semen has contacted the skin, usually in the outer genital area. The allergic reaction generally takes place within 30 minutes of intercourse.
Semen allergy occurs as a result of reacting to certain proteins in the content of the man’s semen. The reaction does not usually occur on the first or subsequent contacts with semen, but seems to develop over time.
Once sensitized to semen the woman’s body releases chemicals that include histamine. Histamine causes the allergic reaction.
A woman that is sensitive to semen will react to all semen. This reaction will occur whether sex involves vaginal, anal or oral.
Men can also develop semen allergy after sex with another male, and heterosexual males can even react to their own semen following, for example, vasectomy or an infection.
If semen allergy is suspected a scratch test will help to confirm the diagnosis. If an itchy red bump appears on the skin, its size will reveal the extent of severity of the allergic reaction (the bigger it is the more severe the reaction).
Semen Allergy Treatment
The quickest and simplest treatment is to use a condom. However, for women planning pregnancy or for those not wishing to use condoms, a desensitization procedure can be used. Allergy shots containing small amounts of the male semen can be given. Another technique called intravaginal seminal graded challenge, takes several hours and involves the doctor introducing increasing amounts of semen into the vagina. Both treatments require the couple to have intercourse two or three times a week.
Jerry Kennard is co-founder of http://www.embarrassments.co.uk
