SPERM ALLERGY
Ask the Experts
What is a sperm allergy, and how do I know whether I have one?
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team [See Biography]
Question: What is a sperm allergy, and how do I know whether I have one? Does it cause itching after sex?
Answer: Both women and men can develop an immune reaction to sperm, called sperm antibodies, known as a sperm allergy. This reaction causes women and men's bodies to produce antibodies that affect sperm's ability to move, inhibiting fertilization. Less than 2 percent of fertile couples have sperm allergies, while 5 to 25 percent of couples with fertility problems have them. About 20 to 40 percent of couples with sperm allergies conceive with the help of artificial insemination or an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment.
Although we don't know why a woman develops sperm antibody reactions, a man develops antibodies to his own sperm when it comes into contact with his blood, usually after he has a vasectomy, testicular torsion (where a testicle twists inside the scrotum), infection, or trauma. Since the two fluids don't normally mix, blood mounts an allergic reaction against sperm. Men who reverse vasectomies in the hope of fathering children often develop an allergic reaction to their own sperm.
A sperm allergy usually has no symptoms (apart from causing fertility problems in some couples). An itchy feeling after sex is often caused by the fungi Candida albicans — in other words, a yeast infection or thrush. Fungal infections are not allergies.
What is a sperm allergy, and how do I know whether I have one?
By The BabyCenter Editorial Team [See Biography]
Question: What is a sperm allergy, and how do I know whether I have one? Does it cause itching after sex?
Answer: Both women and men can develop an immune reaction to sperm, called sperm antibodies, known as a sperm allergy. This reaction causes women and men's bodies to produce antibodies that affect sperm's ability to move, inhibiting fertilization. Less than 2 percent of fertile couples have sperm allergies, while 5 to 25 percent of couples with fertility problems have them. About 20 to 40 percent of couples with sperm allergies conceive with the help of artificial insemination or an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment.
Although we don't know why a woman develops sperm antibody reactions, a man develops antibodies to his own sperm when it comes into contact with his blood, usually after he has a vasectomy, testicular torsion (where a testicle twists inside the scrotum), infection, or trauma. Since the two fluids don't normally mix, blood mounts an allergic reaction against sperm. Men who reverse vasectomies in the hope of fathering children often develop an allergic reaction to their own sperm.
A sperm allergy usually has no symptoms (apart from causing fertility problems in some couples). An itchy feeling after sex is often caused by the fungi Candida albicans — in other words, a yeast infection or thrush. Fungal infections are not allergies.
