I often have a burning sensation in my vagina after my partner has ejaculated. My health care provider suggested I may have a semen allergy. Does a semen allergy affect the ability to get pregnant?

Answer From Chandra C. Shenoy, M.D.

Semen allergy, also called seminal plasma hypersensitivity, happens when you have a harmful immune system reaction to proteins in semen. This condition is not common. Semen allergy isn't a direct cause of infertility.

Symptoms of semen allergy include a change in skin color, burning and swelling where semen contacts the skin or vaginal tissues. Some people may have a whole-body response, including hives, itching and difficulty breathing.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care provider. Your provider may do skin testing to see if you have a semen allergy.

Treatment to make you less sensitive to your partner's semen may allow you to get pregnant naturally. Another option is intrauterine insemination (IUI), which uses sperm washed free of semen proteins to prevent a reaction. For those with a severe sensitivity to semen, assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), may be an option for pregnancy.

With

Chandra C. Shenoy, M.D.

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Feb. 19, 2022 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Assisted reproductive technology
  2. Ovulation
  3. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  4. Delayed ejaculation
  5. Endometriosis
  6. What is endometriosis? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  7. Endometriosis FAQs
  8. Female fertility tips
  9. Friendships
  10. Genetic testing
  11. Hirsutism
  12. Hypopituitarism
  13. In vitro fertilization (IVF)
  14. Infertility
  15. Is a home sperm test useful?
  16. Low sperm count
  17. Male hypogonadism
  18. Mapping the Genome
  19. Pelvic exam
  20. Pituitary tumors
  21. Prolactinoma
  22. Retrograde ejaculation
  23. Secondary infertility
  24. Support groups
  25. Vasectomy reversal
  26. Video: CVS
  27. HSG test
  28. Epididymovasostomy
  29. Vasovasostomy