Semen allergy A cause of infertility - Mayo Clinic
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Semen allergy A cause of infertility
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I often have a burning sensation in my vagina after my partner has ejaculated My health care provider suggested I may have a semen allergy Does a semen allergy affect the ability to get pregnant
Answer From Chandra C. Shenoy, M.D. Semen allergy, also called seminal plasma hypersensitivity, happens when you have a harmful immune system reaction to proteins in semen. This condition is not common. Semen allergy isn't a direct cause of infertility. Symptoms of semen allergy 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. If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care provider. Your provider may do skin testing to see if you have a semen allergy. Treatment to make you less sensitive to your partner's semen 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 in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), may be an option for pregnancy. With Chandra C. Shenoy, M.D. Secondary infertilityIs a home sperm test useful? ShareTweet Feb. 19, 2022 Show references Bernstein DI, et al. Allergic reactions to seminal plasma. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 20, 2022. Lavery WJ, et al. An overview of seminal plasma hypersensitivity and approach to treatment. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.067. See more Expert Answers
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Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception
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