Is it possible to be allergic to sex?

If you came into this article thinking it was another sensationalist title, you're wrong. Yes, as strange as it may seem, you can have allergies or allergy-like reactions to several almost inseparable aspects of sex . And the fact is that, strange as it may seem, there are some people who have medical conditions that affect their experience in bed.

You may already know that we always demonstrate all our information with evidence, and science has identified multiple factors that explain how it is possible to have allergy to semen or that exercise can induce hives . That is why in this article we will explore the possible causes of “sex allergy”, its symptoms and the solutions offered by medicine.

What is a semen allergy?

One of the most well-documented causes of allergic reactions during sex is something called human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSPH). Wait, what? If that sounds like some alien substance, don’t worry, we haven’t lost it. It’s actually a (rare) condition where a person’s immune system reacts to proteins in their partner’s semen . A study by Bernstein et al. (2011) found that symptoms can range from redness and swelling to itching and pain in areas that come into direct contact with semen. In more severe cases, it can even cause breathing difficulties.

This allergy primarily affects women, though there have also been documented cases in men who have sex with other men. The good news? Treatments like immunotherapy can help reduce sensitivity , making it possible for couples to have sex without discomfort.

Other sex-related allergic reactions

Latex allergy

You’ve probably heard of people who are allergic to latex, or maybe you are one of them! Latex condoms and other barrier methods can sometimes trigger allergic reactions . According to a study by Sussman and Beezhold (1995), symptoms of latex allergy can include hives, itching, redness, and in more serious cases, even anaphylaxis.

But does that mean people with latex allergies can’t enjoy sex safely and without worry? Not at all. For those with this condition, the safest bet is usually to go with condoms made from polyurethane or nitrile.

Cholinergic urticaria

Some people experience a condition known as cholinergic urticaria. It happens when an increase in body temperature and sweating triggers an itchy skin rash . While this isn’t something exclusive to intimate situations, you can probably guess why we’re bringing it up: since sex naturally raises your body temperature, people with this condition may develop skin reactions during or after sexual activity (Rujitharanawong et al., 2020).

Anaphylaxis induced by exercise

And finally, there’s one more condition we have to mention—it’s extremely rare, but it can happen. We’re talking about exercise-induced anaphylaxis. As the name suggests, it’s triggered by physical activity, and yes, that includes sex. This rare condition can lead to severe allergic reactions, including throat swelling and difficulty breathing (Shadick et al., 1999). In such cases, treatment often involves antihistamines or epinephrine.

Diagnosis and treatment

The first step is always awareness. So if anything in this article sounds familiar, it might be time for step two. If you’re experiencing symptoms during or after sex that resemble what we’ve described, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with an allergist or dermatologist. While every case is different, diagnosis usually involves skin tests or blood work to pinpoint potential triggers. And don’t worry, it’s more routine than you might think. There’s absolutely no shame in asking questions about your sexual health.

If you are diagnosed with one of the conditions we’ve talked about, treatments may include:

• Special barrier methods: Especially for semen or latex allergies, hypoallergenic condoms or avoiding direct ejaculation onto sensitive areas can be effective solutions.

• Antihistamines: These help reduce allergic reactions and are commonly used for conditions like cholinergic urticaria.

• Immunotherapy: As mentioned earlier, in cases of semen allergy, gradual and controlled exposure may help lower sensitivity over time.

Conclusion

While the idea of being “allergic to sex” might sound strange, science has shown that certain conditions can indeed cause adverse reactions during sexual activity. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and the right treatment strategies, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy a healthy, comfortable, and fulfilling sex life, without the worry.

Sources

• Bernstein J. A. (2011). Human seminal plasma hypersensitivity: an under-recognized women's health issue. Postgraduate medicine, 123(1), 120–125.  https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2011.01.2253  
  
  

• Sussman, G. L., & Beezhold, D. H. (1995). Allergy to latex rubber. Annals of internal medicine, 122(1), 43–46.  https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-122-1-199501010-00007  
  
  

• Rujitharanawong, C., Tuchinda, P., Chularojanamontri, L., Chanchaemsri, N., & Kulthanan, K. (2020). Cholinergic Urticaria: Clinical Presentation and Natural History in a Tropical Country. BioMed research international, 2020, 7301652.  https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7301652
   

• Shadick, N. A., Liang, M. H., Partridge, A. J., Bingham III, C. O., Wright, E., Fossel, A. H., & Sheffer, A. L. (1999). The natural history of exercise-induced anaphylaxis: survey results from a 10-year follow-up study. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 104(1), 123–127.  https://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-6749(99)70123-5