Allergy and Sexual Behaviours: an Update

Abstract

The exact prevalence of hypersensitivity reactions related to sexual behaviours is not known; however, they heavily impact on the quality of life and of sex life of affected patients. In fact, not only common respiratory and skin allergies, such as asthma, rhinitis, urticaria and atopic dermatitis, but also food and drug allergy have been found to negatively affect the quality of sex life. Allergic diseases impact on the sexual function in both physical and psychological ways, representing one of the main complaints of a considerable proportion of patients. Sexual behaviours may act as the triggers of allergic reactions or as the carriers of allergens. Food and drug allergens can be carried through human organic fluids, like saliva and semen. Latex in condoms and numerous substances in lubricants, spermicides, topical medications and cosmetics can cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis. Sexual activity itself is also a potential trigger of symptoms in patients affected by respiratory allergies, like honeymoon asthma and rhinitis. In seminal plasma hypersensitivity, seminal fluid proteins are the culprit allergens. The present review aims at summarizing the state of the art about allergy and sexual behaviours. In clinical practice, the influence of common allergic diseases on the sexual quality of life should be taken carefully into account. Sexual behaviours need to be accounted in the differential diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions, and awareness on those exposure routes should be raised between different specialists and general practitioners.

The impact of atopic dermatitis on sexual health

“…Many reasons could decrease the sexual desire and potentially the sexual activity of patients suffering from AD. Patients may have had allergic reactions to latex, seminal fluid or cosmetics from their partner or may fear them. The presence of lesions on the genital area, breasts or hands, or the presence of lesions on visible areas has frequently had negative consequences on self‐esteem and stigmatization feelings (especially genital involvement) .…”

Erythema of the penis after use of a latex condom – latex allergy or something else?

“…Active agents in topical medications and popular remedies, preservatives and ointment bases are the most frequent causes of allergic reactions . Both type I and type IV hypersensitivity reactions to latex condoms have been reported . Most commonly seen are contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and, more rarely, anaphylaxis.…”

Allergy and Recurrent Vulvovaginitis

“…Особое внимание уделяется диагностике латексной и посткоитальной аллергии. В частности, показано, что у пациенток с аллергией на эякулят после полового контакта в течение нескольких часов происходит обострение вагинита, тогда как при использовании презервативов симптомы заболевания отсутствуют [11][12][13]. Для обозначения этого типа аллергической реакции, проявляющегося выраженным жжением во влагалище после попадания в него семенной жидкости, используется термин Burning Semen Syndrome (синдром «жгучей спермы») [14].…”