News | Thursday, 13th June 2013

Semen allergies more common than previously thought

However allergy does not affect chance of conceiving

ALLERGIES to semen may be more common than previously thought, but do not affect a woman’s chance of conceiving, according a Manchester Metropolitan University expert.

In a paper published in the journal Human Fertility this week, Dr Michael Carroll said the symptoms of hypersensitivity to human semen are often misdiagnosed due to their similarity with other conditions such as dermatitis and some sexually transmitted diseases.

A lack of recognition of the condition in the medical community may be to blame, along with patients not approaching doctors about their symptoms.

Women aged 20 – 30 years old are most affected, displaying symptoms immediately or up to one hour after exposure to semen. Symptoms ranged from irritation, itching, painful urination and atopic eczema, to anaphylactic shock in the worst cases.

Family planning

Dr Carroll, a Lecturer in Reproductive Science, and colleagues at the regional IVF clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital and the Department of Immunology at Central Manchester University Hospital, diagnosed four women with the condition based on the their clinical history and allergy skin prick tests.

Dr Carroll separated the sperm cells from the semen. The seminal fluid and the isolated sperm cells were used in an allergy skin prick test. An immune reaction was noted with the seminal fluid, but no reaction occurred with the isolated sperm. This demonstrated the allergy is caused by a component in the seminal fluid (most likely a glycoprotein from the prostate) as opposed to the actual sperm cells.

Avoiding a reaction either by abstinence or with condom use proved successful in all cases, although this was obviously not an option for those wishing to start a family.

In the paper, Dr Carroll said: “In addition to the reaction and physical discomfort, women with HHS experience emotional stress due to the impact it can have on their relationships and the concerns about family planning.”

Successful pregnancies

In severe cases with a high risk of anaphylactic shock, sperm separated from the semen and can be used in assisted reproductive technology such as intrauterine insemination.

Dr Carroll added: “There are numerous cases published of successful pregnancies achieved naturally and through assisted reproductive technology in women with this condition. We were able to reassure our patients that HHS does not cause infertility.”