Unresolved puzzle: Uncommon sensitivity to semen potentially led to a female's lack of conception ability

Unresolved puzzle: Uncommon sensitivity to semen potentially led to a female's lack of conception ability

A 29-year-old woman in Lithuania has been diagnosed with a rare condition known as human seminal plasma allergy (HSPA), a reaction to seminal fluid that can complicate conception. This condition, also known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), is relatively uncommon, with only about 80 documented cases worldwide [1].

The woman, who had a history of asthma and sensitivity to various allergens, including mold, cat fur, dust, mites, pollen from weeds and grasses, allergens from insects, and dog allergens, experienced new allergic symptoms after contact with her partner's semen. These symptoms included a burning sensation in her vulva, puffy eyelids, and watery eyes. Additionally, blood tests revealed unusually high amounts of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that defends the body against allergens, in the woman [1].

Doctors conducted further allergy tests using samples of semen collected from the woman's partner and confirmed that she had an allergy to human seminal plasma. Skin tests showed that the woman was sensitive to Canis familiaris allergen 5 (Can f 5), a protein found in dog dander and urine, which can also indicate sensitivity to similar proteins found in human semen [1].

SPH doesn't directly cause infertility, but it can complicate conception due to the inflammation it causes in the reproductive system [2][3]. Symptoms of SPH include inflammation, itching, and other allergic reactions after sexual intercourse, as well as flu-like symptoms or post-coital reactions [2]. In some cases, individuals with other allergies or health conditions, like asthma, may experience heightened reactions to semen proteins due to their existing immune system sensitizations [1].

Treatments for SPH include prophylactic antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, and desensitization using diluted seminal plasma. For severe cases, IVF with washed sperm can bypass the allergic reaction [2]. However, in this case, the woman found the antihistamine approach ineffective.

Diagnosis of SPH is often challenging due to lack of awareness and stigma surrounding sex-related health issues. Skin testing with a partner’s semen can help confirm the allergy [2]. The combination of SPH with other health conditions often goes unaddressed due to stigma and lack of awareness among medical professionals and patients alike [2].

This case serves as a reminder that seemingly unrelated allergic conditions can contribute to reproductive health challenges. Comprehensive evaluations are warranted when dealing with reproductive health issues [4]. Despite the challenges, many women with SPH have successfully conceived, both naturally and with medical assistance [2][3].

It's not immediately clear if the allergy complicated the woman's IVF treatments, as semen would not have been present in the implanted embryos. No further treatments were recommended during the follow-up visit three years later [4].

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. If you suspect you may have SPH or any other reproductive health concerns, please consult with a healthcare professional.

References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6912522/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872398/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3760732/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6046394/

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