Semen Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What are the symptoms of a semen allergy?

Symptoms of a semen allergy can resemble vaginal infections or skin allergies. Some of the most common symptoms of a semen allergy are:

• Itching, redness, swelling and burning on your skin.
• Hives.
• Swelling of the lips and tongue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness.
• Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

In extreme cases, you can go into anaphylactic shock. This requires immediate medical attention and causes symptoms like a swollen throat, a weak pulse and loss of consciousness.

Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes of exposure to semen and last from several hours to several days.

Getting a rash after sexual intercourse doesn’t necessarily mean you have an allergic reaction to semen. Rashes or other allergic reactions can occur due to infection or other skin irritants. Your healthcare provider can help you rule out other causes of skin reactions.

How does a semen allergy affect my body?

People have different reactions to semen depending on if their allergy is localized to just the skin that contacts semen or if it affects their whole body. Most people experience localized symptoms on their skin, but others experience life-threatening allergic reactions.

One of the biggest problems a woman or person AFAB may face is the inability to conceive. A semen allergy can strain relationships, especially when a couple wants to get pregnant. However, there are ways for people with a semen allergy to become pregnant.

What causes a semen allergy?

Your immune system’s reaction to certain proteins found in semen causes semen allergies. Healthcare providers aren’t entirely sure what causes the reaction but believe medication, food sensitivities or hormonal events — such as pregnancy and menopause — could play a role.

Who's at risk for a semen allergy?

There aren’t any specific risk factors for a semen allergy. Anyone who has unprotected sex can have a semen allergy.

Can semen cause fungal infections?

No, a semen allergy doesn’t cause a fungal infection. A semen allergy causes rash-like symptoms similar to a fungal infection. The redness, burning or swelling you experience after coming in contact with semen isn’t related to a fungus.

Can a semen allergy affect getting pregnant?

A semen allergy doesn’t cause infertility, but it can make getting pregnant difficult. There are ways healthcare providers can treat a semen allergy to make it easier for you to conceive. Treatment involves washing sperm to remove the protein causing the reaction. Once washed, it’s injected into your uterus via intrauterine insemination (IUI). In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option. Talk to your healthcare provider if you believe a semen allergy prevents you from getting pregnant.

Can I be allergic to swallowing semen?

Yes, you can be allergic to swallowing semen. Some people report allergic reactions on their skin when it comes in direct contact with semen. For others, the mucus membranes in their mouth and throat react to semen, too.