ALLERGIC TO SEMEN?

Human Seminal Plasma Protein Allergy (SPPA) is a rare but real immune response to semen. Women with this allergy will notice symptoms ranging from vaginal area inflammation, itching, and/or pain to typical allergic reactions that affect other parts of the body. It is hard to know how many women may be living with SSPA because of underreporting due to its sensitive nature. Consider this diagnosis if you experience persistent vaginal inflammation, itching, and/or pain or typical allergic reactions in other areas up to 8 hours after intercourse but these symptoms do not occur when using a condom. The immune response of this allergy is not clearly understood but various treatments have been useful for some, including creams and desensitization therapies. 

If you have been told your pain is due to this allergy but you continue to experience symptoms of pain, itching, burning, cramping despite being treated then insist on further evaluation for other primary reasons for your pain. These could include bowel, bladder, nerve, musculoskeletal, and myofascial related reasons for chronic pain and discomfort ‘down there’. 

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