Sperm allergies cause misdiagnosed discomfort, even anaphylaxis

Some people experience allergic reactions to semen, a condition often misdiagnosed or dismissed, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), the most common type, causes reactions in women to proteins in seminal fluid, with symptoms ranging from itching to anaphylactic shock. Treatments include condoms, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and desensitization therapy. This allergy, first documented decades ago, is still underdiagnosed, with many cases mistaken for other conditions. Men can also experience a similar condition, post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), which causes flu-like symptoms.