Sperm Allergy and Infertility

Believe it or not, both men and women can develop a sperm or semen allergy. That’s right, a man can actually become allergic to his own semen. Human seminal plasma hypersensitivity, can not only cause unpleasant symptoms, but can also contribute towards infertility. While this condition only affects 2% of fertile couples, it occurs in almost 25% of infertile couples.

While semen allergies in women have remained more of a mystery, men usually develop this allergy when their blood comes in contact with their sperm. This can happen following a vasectomy, infection, or trauma.

How does a semen allergy affect fertility? Simply put, a semen allergy occurs when the body’s immune system produces semen antibodies. The purpose of these antibodies is to disable the sperm from doing what it is meant to do, fertilize those eggs.

Symptoms

Most men who suffer from a semen allergy probably would not experience any symptoms except infertility. Women, however, can experience a range of symptoms much like any other allergic reaction. These include burning, redness, swelling, itching, etc. If you think you many be suffering from a sperm allergy, discuss your concerns with a doctor, as many of these symptoms can also be a result of STI’s or infection.

Fertility Treatments

Couples who are diagnosed with semen allergies will usually choose to try fertility treatments including:

1. Protein Desensitization. Women can be skin tested to identify exactly which protein in her partner’s sperm is causing the allergy. She will then be injected with that protein in higher and higher concentrations to desensitize her body.

2. Semen Desensitization. In this treatment, rather then isolating a particular protein, diluted seminal fluid is inserted into the vagina at higher and higher concentrations in an effort to desensitize the vagina.

3.  Artificial Insemination. By removing the offending protein from the sperm, and then artificially inseminating, the allergy can be bypassed all together.