Allergic to Semen
Content
Up to 12% of women could be 'allergic to semen', claims leading expert - with many wrongly blaming the symptoms on STDs
Some have such a severe allergy that exposure causes anaphylactic shock Condition often misdiagnosed as symptoms similar to those of some STIs Symptoms include itching, irritation, eczema, and pain when urinating Allergen is thought to be in seminal fluid, not sperm cells, meaning the condition does not cause infertility
By Emma Innes PUBLISHED: 15:34 GMT, 11 June 2013 | UPDATED: 15:54 GMT, 11 June 2013
776 shares 190 View comments
Up to 12 per cent of women could be allergic to semen - some so severely that exposure could cause anaphylactic shock, a leading expert has claimed. Dr Michael Carroll, a lecturer in Reproductive Science at Manchester Metropolitan University, said that women aged 20 to 30 are thought to be worst affected, displaying symptoms immediately or up to one hour after exposure. Symptoms include irritation, itching, painful urination and eczema, but in the most severe cases, exposure to semen can cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Up to 12 per cent of women could be allergic to semen, some so severely that exposure could cause anaphylactic shock
Dr Carroll believes that while very few people have been diagnosed with a semen allergy, it could be common problem. He and his colleagues have carried out an unpublished survey which suggests that as many as 12 women per 100 could be affected.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SEMEN ALLERGY?
The symptoms of semen allergies are very similar to those of dermatitis and some STIs. They include, itching, irritation, eczema and pain during urination. In the most severe cases, the allergy can cause anaphylactic shock. In another paper, published in the journal Human Fertility, Dr Carroll said that symptoms of hypersensitivity to human semen (HHS) are often misdiagnosed due to their similarity with other conditions, such as dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and some sexually transmitted diseases. Dr Carroll, and his colleagues at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, diagnosed four women with the condition based on the their clinical history and allergy skin prick tests. Dr Carroll separated the sperm cells from the semen.The seminal fluid and the isolated sperm cells were used in allergy skin prick tests. An immune reaction was noted with the seminal fluid, but no reaction occurred with the isolated sperm. This demonstrated the allergy is caused by a component in the seminal fluid - most likely a glycoprotein from the prostate - as opposed to the actual sperm cells. This means that someone who is allergic to one person's semen will be allergic to all semen - changing partners will not help them to escape the allergy.
The allergy is caused by seminal fluid, not sperm, so even people who have a very severe allergy can conceive using assisted reproductive technology such as intrauterine insemination
Avoiding a reaction either by abstinence or with condom use proved successful in all cases, although this was obviously not an option for those wishing to start a family. In the paper, Dr Carroll wrote: ‘In addition to the reaction and physical discomfort, women with HHS experience emotional stress due to the impact it can have on their relationships and the concerns about family planning.’ In severe cases with a high risk of anaphylactic shock, sperm separated from the semen and can be used in assisted reproductive technology. Dr Carroll added: ‘There are numerous cases published of successful pregnancies achieved naturally and through assisted reproductive technology in women with this condition. We were able to reassure our patients that HHS does not cause infertility.’ He believes that a lack of recognition of the condition in the medical community may also be partly to blame for the lack of diagnoses, along with patients not approaching doctors about their symptoms.
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Comments (190)
Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all Test Tube procreation sounds like the only answer for Family Planning and secure contraceptives for relationship. Another sad finding of human frailty. - bexhillbill , Bexhill-on-sea, United Kingdom, 13/6/2013 16:53 Click to rate Report abuse Oh dear. - aclaire , Provence, France, 13/6/2013 15:06 Click to rate Report abuse I totally believe this. I am allergic to the chlorine used in tap water (an absolute cocktail of chemicals - how many do you think are needed to turn sewerage into drinking water?). But tap water is not your first thought when you develop an itchy pink facial rash... basic day-to-day things can cause allergies as much as anything. - Juliet , JustSaying..., 12/6/2013 22:27 Rating (0) Rating 4
Click to rate Report abuse
Rating 6
I have this allergy and frankly, some of the comments on here are disgusting. As a woman it can be very upsetting, especially as whilst I don't want a child at the moment, I will at some point in the future. The choice for me will be either endurance of a lot of pain and inflammation in a sensitive region, or IVF. As far as the "long and lonely lives" comment goes, I have a partner who is very understanding, who I am able to maintain a healthy sex life with - which I'm sure is more than you can say. - pennypeaches , Leics, 12/6/2013 21:04 Click to rate Report abuse Why seminal fluid? Perhaps it's just down to poor hand hygiene before sex. - Nick Grady , Coalville_Leicestershire_UK, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 18:07 Click to rate Report abuse That old excuse!!! - mart , bristol, 12/6/2013 18:00 Click to rate Report abuse It seems everyone is becoming allergic to everything these days. Never happened 60 years ago! - ttfan1948 Brighton , Sussex, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 17:23 Click to rate Report abuse Well perhaps they should try dating Soldiers or Airmen then instead of Seamen! - Dai , Center Twp- Monaca PA, United States, 12/6/2013 15:42 Click to rate Report abuse Some women are as useful as a chocolate teapot. They will have long and lonely lives. - male , uk, 12/6/2013 13:55.........whatever your view the husband becomes a victim. - Paul , London UK, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 15:02 Click to rate Report abuse - Brykasema, South Yorkshire GB., 12/6/2013 2:05 <><><><><> 'Satire' Brykasema is the most effective solution more than 12% of the time. Cheers. - Troof , Cambs, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 14:38 Click to rate Report abuse Rating (0) Rating 18 Rating 19 Rating 11 Rating 19 Rating 23 Rating 23
Share this comment The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Today's headlines Most Read Is size 16 'normal' - or a serious danger? These women are all Britain's most common dress size, so you'd expect them to be healthy, but a battery of medical tests came up with surprising and worrying results Stress can cause permanent damage to a man's sperm - and affect the mental health of his children Size matters most in the changing room: Men care more what their mates think of their manhood than their partner Heart attack victims should opt for Mediterranean diet - but go easy on the fish EU urged to act on hair dyes after allergy deaths: Warnings on packaging must be made explicit I've had a hysterectomy... through my belly button: First British patient to undergo astonishing new op that leaves no scar 'If I sit down too quickly, will I break my spine?' How Ian Puleston-Davies, the actor behind Coronation Street's carefree tough guy, is paralysed by his obsessions Women's symptoms of cancer, heart disease and liver problems are significantly different to men's, experts warn Anti-baldness drug can cause men to lose interest in alcohol Hospital doctors who refuse to release details of their track record will be named and shamed Fish swimming in water tainted with Prozac exhibit 'antisocial, aggressive and even homicidal behaviour' Newborn baby died after 'appalling catalogue of failings' by midwives meant he was starved of oxygen MORE HEADLINES Is size 16 'normal' - or a serious danger? These women are all Britain's most common dress size, so you'd expect them to be healthy, but a battery of medical tests came up with surprising and worrying results She went in to have her appendix out, instead they removed an ovary... but that was just the start: A mother who died in agony and the most shocking story of medical blunders you'll ever read 'If I sit down too quickly, will I break my spine?' How Ian Puleston-Davies, the actor behind Coronation Street's carefree tough guy, is paralysed by his obsessions EU urged to act on hair dyes after allergy deaths: Warnings on packaging must be made explicit Women's symptoms of cancer, heart disease and liver problems are significantly different to men's, experts warn Gluten-free chateaux and anti cancer spas... However ill you are you CAN get away 27-stone mother who was terrified of going abroad in case she got stuck in a plane seat loses 16 STONE and ten dress sizes Did man's yearning for young women create the menopause? Research suggests that MEN'S wandering eyes may have caused middle-age loss of fertility in women Most GPs would strike rather than return to out of hours duty as they demand £20,000 pay rise to work weekends Anti-baldness drug can cause men to lose interest in alcohol Up to half of all men given the all-clear by NHS prostate cancer tests could actually have the killer disease, putting thousands of lives at risk Size matters most in the changing room: Men care more what their mates think of their manhood than their partner MOST READ IN DETAIL
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group © Associated Newspapers Ltd
Some have such a severe allergy that exposure causes anaphylactic shock Condition often misdiagnosed as symptoms similar to those of some STIs Symptoms include itching, irritation, eczema, and pain when urinating Allergen is thought to be in seminal fluid, not sperm cells, meaning the condition does not cause infertility
By Emma Innes PUBLISHED: 15:34 GMT, 11 June 2013 | UPDATED: 15:54 GMT, 11 June 2013
776 shares 190 View comments
Up to 12 per cent of women could be allergic to semen - some so severely that exposure could cause anaphylactic shock, a leading expert has claimed. Dr Michael Carroll, a lecturer in Reproductive Science at Manchester Metropolitan University, said that women aged 20 to 30 are thought to be worst affected, displaying symptoms immediately or up to one hour after exposure. Symptoms include irritation, itching, painful urination and eczema, but in the most severe cases, exposure to semen can cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Up to 12 per cent of women could be allergic to semen, some so severely that exposure could cause anaphylactic shock
Dr Carroll believes that while very few people have been diagnosed with a semen allergy, it could be common problem. He and his colleagues have carried out an unpublished survey which suggests that as many as 12 women per 100 could be affected.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A SEMEN ALLERGY?
The symptoms of semen allergies are very similar to those of dermatitis and some STIs. They include, itching, irritation, eczema and pain during urination. In the most severe cases, the allergy can cause anaphylactic shock. In another paper, published in the journal Human Fertility, Dr Carroll said that symptoms of hypersensitivity to human semen (HHS) are often misdiagnosed due to their similarity with other conditions, such as dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and some sexually transmitted diseases. Dr Carroll, and his colleagues at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, diagnosed four women with the condition based on the their clinical history and allergy skin prick tests. Dr Carroll separated the sperm cells from the semen.The seminal fluid and the isolated sperm cells were used in allergy skin prick tests. An immune reaction was noted with the seminal fluid, but no reaction occurred with the isolated sperm. This demonstrated the allergy is caused by a component in the seminal fluid - most likely a glycoprotein from the prostate - as opposed to the actual sperm cells. This means that someone who is allergic to one person's semen will be allergic to all semen - changing partners will not help them to escape the allergy.
The allergy is caused by seminal fluid, not sperm, so even people who have a very severe allergy can conceive using assisted reproductive technology such as intrauterine insemination
Avoiding a reaction either by abstinence or with condom use proved successful in all cases, although this was obviously not an option for those wishing to start a family. In the paper, Dr Carroll wrote: ‘In addition to the reaction and physical discomfort, women with HHS experience emotional stress due to the impact it can have on their relationships and the concerns about family planning.’ In severe cases with a high risk of anaphylactic shock, sperm separated from the semen and can be used in assisted reproductive technology. Dr Carroll added: ‘There are numerous cases published of successful pregnancies achieved naturally and through assisted reproductive technology in women with this condition. We were able to reassure our patients that HHS does not cause infertility.’ He believes that a lack of recognition of the condition in the medical community may also be partly to blame for the lack of diagnoses, along with patients not approaching doctors about their symptoms.
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Comments (190)
Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all Test Tube procreation sounds like the only answer for Family Planning and secure contraceptives for relationship. Another sad finding of human frailty. - bexhillbill , Bexhill-on-sea, United Kingdom, 13/6/2013 16:53 Click to rate Report abuse Oh dear. - aclaire , Provence, France, 13/6/2013 15:06 Click to rate Report abuse I totally believe this. I am allergic to the chlorine used in tap water (an absolute cocktail of chemicals - how many do you think are needed to turn sewerage into drinking water?). But tap water is not your first thought when you develop an itchy pink facial rash... basic day-to-day things can cause allergies as much as anything. - Juliet , JustSaying..., 12/6/2013 22:27 Rating (0) Rating 4
Click to rate Report abuse
Rating 6
I have this allergy and frankly, some of the comments on here are disgusting. As a woman it can be very upsetting, especially as whilst I don't want a child at the moment, I will at some point in the future. The choice for me will be either endurance of a lot of pain and inflammation in a sensitive region, or IVF. As far as the "long and lonely lives" comment goes, I have a partner who is very understanding, who I am able to maintain a healthy sex life with - which I'm sure is more than you can say. - pennypeaches , Leics, 12/6/2013 21:04 Click to rate Report abuse Why seminal fluid? Perhaps it's just down to poor hand hygiene before sex. - Nick Grady , Coalville_Leicestershire_UK, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 18:07 Click to rate Report abuse That old excuse!!! - mart , bristol, 12/6/2013 18:00 Click to rate Report abuse It seems everyone is becoming allergic to everything these days. Never happened 60 years ago! - ttfan1948 Brighton , Sussex, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 17:23 Click to rate Report abuse Well perhaps they should try dating Soldiers or Airmen then instead of Seamen! - Dai , Center Twp- Monaca PA, United States, 12/6/2013 15:42 Click to rate Report abuse Some women are as useful as a chocolate teapot. They will have long and lonely lives. - male , uk, 12/6/2013 13:55.........whatever your view the husband becomes a victim. - Paul , London UK, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 15:02 Click to rate Report abuse - Brykasema, South Yorkshire GB., 12/6/2013 2:05 <><><><><> 'Satire' Brykasema is the most effective solution more than 12% of the time. Cheers. - Troof , Cambs, United Kingdom, 12/6/2013 14:38 Click to rate Report abuse Rating (0) Rating 18 Rating 19 Rating 11 Rating 19 Rating 23 Rating 23
Share this comment The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Today's headlines Most Read Is size 16 'normal' - or a serious danger? These women are all Britain's most common dress size, so you'd expect them to be healthy, but a battery of medical tests came up with surprising and worrying results Stress can cause permanent damage to a man's sperm - and affect the mental health of his children Size matters most in the changing room: Men care more what their mates think of their manhood than their partner Heart attack victims should opt for Mediterranean diet - but go easy on the fish EU urged to act on hair dyes after allergy deaths: Warnings on packaging must be made explicit I've had a hysterectomy... through my belly button: First British patient to undergo astonishing new op that leaves no scar 'If I sit down too quickly, will I break my spine?' How Ian Puleston-Davies, the actor behind Coronation Street's carefree tough guy, is paralysed by his obsessions Women's symptoms of cancer, heart disease and liver problems are significantly different to men's, experts warn Anti-baldness drug can cause men to lose interest in alcohol Hospital doctors who refuse to release details of their track record will be named and shamed Fish swimming in water tainted with Prozac exhibit 'antisocial, aggressive and even homicidal behaviour' Newborn baby died after 'appalling catalogue of failings' by midwives meant he was starved of oxygen MORE HEADLINES Is size 16 'normal' - or a serious danger? These women are all Britain's most common dress size, so you'd expect them to be healthy, but a battery of medical tests came up with surprising and worrying results She went in to have her appendix out, instead they removed an ovary... but that was just the start: A mother who died in agony and the most shocking story of medical blunders you'll ever read 'If I sit down too quickly, will I break my spine?' How Ian Puleston-Davies, the actor behind Coronation Street's carefree tough guy, is paralysed by his obsessions EU urged to act on hair dyes after allergy deaths: Warnings on packaging must be made explicit Women's symptoms of cancer, heart disease and liver problems are significantly different to men's, experts warn Gluten-free chateaux and anti cancer spas... However ill you are you CAN get away 27-stone mother who was terrified of going abroad in case she got stuck in a plane seat loses 16 STONE and ten dress sizes Did man's yearning for young women create the menopause? Research suggests that MEN'S wandering eyes may have caused middle-age loss of fertility in women Most GPs would strike rather than return to out of hours duty as they demand £20,000 pay rise to work weekends Anti-baldness drug can cause men to lose interest in alcohol Up to half of all men given the all-clear by NHS prostate cancer tests could actually have the killer disease, putting thousands of lives at risk Size matters most in the changing room: Men care more what their mates think of their manhood than their partner MOST READ IN DETAIL
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group © Associated Newspapers Ltd
