Seminal Plasma Allergy : A Literature Review

Abstract

Seminal plasma allergy (SPA) is an immunological reaction against human seminal plasma observed in women. SPA is not a well-known clinical syndrome, considering that there are few epidemiological studies on SPA, and it can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed as other medical conditions. Symptoms occur after sexual intercourse and manifest as systemic and/or localized symptoms. The pathophysiology of SPA is commonly assumed to be autoimmune reaction to seminal plasma with IgE antibodies ; however, it is still uncertain which specific antibodies cause SPA. In vivo skin tests, including prick and intradermal tests, are useful for diagnosing SPA. However, there has been no consensus on treatment of SPA, apart from symptomatic therapy, although several desensitization methods have been reported, using emergency kits for allergic reactions. The most common and most effective preventive measure for SPA is to use condoms during intercourse.

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].…”

Anaphylaxis probably induced by transfer of amoxicillin via oral sex

“…An uncommon cause of anaphylaxis in women is seminal plasma allergy (SPA). In SPA, symptoms occur during or after sexual intercourse and most of these reactions are the result of an IgE-mediated response to a specific protein in seminal plasma 8. Coital allergic reactions can also be induced in allergic women by the transfer of allergens (drugs or food) present at low concentrations in the seminal plasma of their partners 9…”