Latex, seminal fluid, lubricants… Allergic reactions, mainly local, can occur during sexual intercourse. Causes and symptoms.
What are the causes of an allergy during sexual intercourse?
Allergies during sexual intercourse can mainly be caused by:
► Latex. “People allergic to latex condoms have a often local reaction located in the genitals. The allergy is quickly identified by comparing a report with and without a condom. To remedy this, there are latex free condoms“, explains Dr. Madeleine Epstein, allergist and vice-president of the French union of allergists.
► The sperm. “It is more precisely an allergy in seminal fluid. This is extremely rare. The diagnosis can be confirmed by testing for antibodies in the blood. If pregnancy is desired, some teams resort to tolerance inductions, otherwise it is possible to proceed with artificial insemination after separation of the spermatozoa from the seminal fluid..” To avoid a reaction during sexual intercourse, it is strongly advised to use condoms.
► Additives. “It is also possible to make an allergy to additives: lubricants, dyes or perfumes that may be present in condoms.”
What symptoms?
“dermatitis (fixed lesions with alteration of the epidermis) or hives (labile lesions that disappear without a trace) – i.e. redness, burning, itching – can appear locally but this reaction can sometimes extend and become general throughout the body. an anaphylactic reaction which affects several organs is possible but even rarer“, emphasizes Dr. Epstein.
Can food and drug allergens be transported by fluids?
Transfer of food or drug allergens through saliva or seminal fluid is possible. Cases have already been described in the scientific literature (BMC). “Kissing someone who has just eaten peanuts when allergic can cause a reaction. Its severity depends mainly on the level of sensitivity of the allergic person.”
What treatment?
Treatment should be tailored to the symptoms. For less severe cases, antihistamines may be sufficient. In the event of a severe reaction, the patient should not hesitate to use his self-injecting adrenaline pen.
Thanks to Dr. Madeleine Epstein, allergist and vice-president of the French union of allergists.
Source: Fatal anaphylaxis due to exposure to peanuts during oral sex, October 18, 2021, BMC