Synonyms

• Allergen, allergic, allergic reaction, allergic response, anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis, artificial insemination, desensitization, desensitize, hives, hypersensitivity, Ig, IgE, immune, immune defense system, immune reaction, immune response, immune system, immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin E, semen, sperm, skin test, vasectomy, white blood cells.

Background

• Although rare, there have been reports of semen allergy, also called sperm allergy, in both men and women. This occurs when the body's immune system overreacts when it encounters semen. The white blood cells mistakenly identify proteins in the semen as harmful invaders (such as bacteria or viruses) and launch an attack against it.
• Patients who are allergic to semen are allergic to semen in general. Therefore, patients may experience an allergic reaction with other partners.
• Females may experience an allergic reaction after having oral, vaginal, or anal sex without a protective barrier, such as a condom.
• Males are less likely to develop semen allergies than females. It is possible for males to experience an allergic reaction after oral or anal sex with another male. Males may also develop an allergic reaction to their own semen. This occurs after the patient's semen comes into contact with his blood. This may happen during a vasectomy (surgical procedure used to make a man sterile), testicular torsion (when a testicle twists inside the scrotum), or after an infection or trauma.
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Causes

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Symptoms

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Complications

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Author Information

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Bibliography

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