Is Your Body Secretly Warning You? The Shocking Signs You Might Be Allergic to Sex Revealed!

Everyone’s got a buddy who sneezes at pollen or shuns gluten like it’s a bad Tinder date. But have you ever met someone allergic to sex? Yeah, it sounds like the punchline to a very awkward joke, but believe it or not, this eyebrow-raising allergy is real — though thankfully rare. And here’s the kicker: it’s not the act itself that triggers it, but a certain ingredient that might or might not be involved — semen. If that just made you raise an eyebrow (or both), you’re not alone. But for anyone navigating intimacy where this elusive allergen might be around, knowing what to watch for is pure gold. Dr. Daniel More, an allergist and immunologist, has broken down all the nitty-gritty: the symptoms, causes, and what you can do if you find yourself in this bizarre predicament. Curious yet? LEARN MORE

Everyone knows someone with an allergy, whether it’s hayfever, peanuts or gluten. But have you ever heard of someone who’s allergic to sex?

I know – of all the allergies to have, that has to be up there with the most unfortunate.

The good news is, this particular allergy is rare, and it involves one substance that isn’t always present in sex: semen.

However, it does exist, and if you’re involved in an intimate relationship where semen is going to be present, it’s good to be aware for the warning signs.

Daniel More, MD, an allergist and clinical immunologist at Allergy Partners of the Central California Coast, has broken down the symptoms and causes of a semen allergy for Very Well Health, so here’s everything you need to know.

Allergic reactions to semen are rare, but possible (Getty Stock Photo)

What causes a semen allergy?

Allergic reactions to semen are typically caused by proteins in the fluid, rather than the sperm itself.

It’s also possible that the allergic reaction could be the result of trace amounts of food or medications that have made their way into the semen, before coming into contact with someone who has one of those allergies.

What’s particularly interesting is that just because you have an allergic reaction to one person’s semen, doesn’t mean you’ll have a reaction with every sexual partner. I’m not suggesting you break up with your boyfriend over it, but in this particular case you could actually argue that ‘it’s not me, it’s you’.

What are the warning signs of a semen allergy?

The symptoms of a semen allergy can be quite severe, according to More.

A reaction may result in one of the following:

• Itching and burning within 30 minutes of sex
• Hives or swelling
• Asthma symptoms
• Anaphylaxis

Allergies to semen can cause itching and burning (Getty Stock Photo)

Can you test for a semen allergy?

If you’ve noticed symptoms of an allergy after sex, it is possible to undergo skin and blood allergy tests to determine whether you might be allergic.

How can you deal with a semen allergy?

One of the simplest ways to avoid an allergic reaction to semen is to avoid contact with the fluid, for example by using condoms.

It is also possible to gradually become de-sensitized to an allergen, for example by having increased exposure to it over a period of time. However, More has warned that if you have a history of severe reactions, you should not try to de-sensitize on your own and should instead work with a doctor to do so.

Can you be allergic to other aspects of sex?

You can, but it’s usually due to an added element being brought into the encounter.

Other allergies that may be linked to sex include a latex allergy, which may result from the use of condoms and cause itching, swelling and burning, as well as lubricants and spermicides, which may cause allergic reactions such as itching due to the use of scents or dyes.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you think you might be allergic to an element of sex, you should seek the advice of a doctor. It might feel a bit embarrassing, but it’s better than suffering!