Sex-related allergies are rare, but they are possible.
Some people may not recognize their symptoms as an allergic reaction.
However, diagnosis and treatment are important to minimize symptoms and find relief.
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You canbe allergicto one person’s semen, but not another’s.
It’s also possible to be allergic to more than one partner’s semen.
In some cases, people react to semen that has never caused an issue in the past.
Some people can be gradually de-sensitized to an allergen.
That involves exposure to the allergen in increasing amounts over time.
This approach may be a good one if you’re trying to get pregnant.
There are also ways to “wash” sperm during fertility procedures so allergens are removed.
Work with a physician so the process is safe for you.
But allergic reactions can worsen over time.
Severe reactions can even cause hives, breathing problems, and anaphylaxis, which can lead to death.
It can affect one or both partners.
Symptoms of latex allergy include:
Usually, these symptoms occur within seconds to minutes of latex exposure.
In some cases, they can occur many hours later.
The skin exposed to latex can even blister.
These are proteins that indicate that your immune system is treating latex as an allergen.
Non-latex condoms made of lamb intestines are also available.
They can prevent pregnancy, but they don’t protect against STIs.
Recap
Latex, fragrances, and semen can all cause allergic reactions.
After sex, you could have mild symptoms like itching, burning, swelling, or hives.
It’s also possible to have a more severe reaction with breathing problems or anaphylaxis.
Vasomotor rhinitisis congestion, runny nose, and sneezing after sex.
(In fact, it’s sometimes called “honeymoon rhinitis.")
It happens when nerves and blood vessels in your nasal passages are stimulated.
This condition may have something to do with the strong emotions sex can stir up.
Some people use a nasal spray (ipratropium bromide) about an hour before sex to prevent this problem.
Post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), another possibility, is a very rare reaction.
Within a few seconds to a few hours after ejaculation, allergy or flu-like symptoms occur.
They can include:
POIS is more common in people with a penis.
Researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes it.
Other Causes of Itching After Sex
Sometimes post-sex itching isn’t because of an allergy.
Some of the possible causes may need prescription treatment.
That can happen if you’ve just had a baby or you’re in menopause.
Some medications can also change the fluids in your vagina.
Birth control pills and antidepressants are two examples.
pH Levels
A pH level is a measure of how acidic something is.
If the pH gets too high, your risk of infection also goes up.
Depending on the cause, an over-the-counter medication could stop the itching.
But many infections need to be treated with prescription medication.
STIs
Some infections are passed from person to person through sex.
Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms at first.
For that reason, you might pass them to a partner without realizing it.
If you do, you will likely need prescription medication to treat or manage it.
Dry skin, vaginal pH changes, and infections can also cause itching after sex.
Some infections respond to OTC medications.
Others, especially STIs, need medical care.
How to Treat Post-Sex Itching
Symptoms such as itching often go away in a day or so.
If they don’t, it’s important to see a healthcare professional.
Allergies can often be treated so you don’t have to deal with the itch after sex.
If an infection is making you itchy, you may need medication to cure the problem.
Understanding the cause of your itching is the first step to finding relief.
For many kinds of itching, taking a colloidal oatmeal or baking soda bath can bring some relief.
Applying a cool, wet cloth to the itchy area can also ease the itching.
If the itching stems from an infection, those steps won’t fix the problem.
You’ll need to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are clinical reports of successful antihistamine use, although studies supporting their use have yielded mixed results.
Desensitization therapy is also an option and has been used in cases where pregnancy is the goal.
Intravaginal graded desensitization involves collecting and diluting a semen sample.
Then a careful exposure regimen follows under the supervision of a medical professional.
Summary
It’s rare, but not impossible, to have an allergic reaction during sex.
Latex, fragrances, preservatives, or proteins in semen can cause itching and other symptoms.
Dry skin, pH changes, and infections can also cause reactions.
Most of the time, post-sex itching resolves on its own within a few days.
Reach out to your healthcare provider, even if you feel uncomfortable.
It may also help to write down your questions in advance.
Speaking up is the best way to solve the problem and protect your health.
Doi: 10.4172/2161-119X.1000267
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Post-orgasmic illness syndrome.
