The phenomenon of “marble chameleons” — a burning, itching, redness, and swelling in the beneath-Romaneros-yl or behind-the-lens area — is a common occurrence, but for most women, these symptoms are normal after sex. However, 95% of women experience mild to severe symptoms, which seem reasonable but are often undiagnosed or dismissed as unrelated allergic reactions. This raises serious questions about the underdiagnosis of a rare condition known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), which is associated with allergies elsewhere in the body, from Naughtyin to cats dandewhete.
Dr. Michael Carroll, a professor of reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explains that SPH is identified in 1967 as a rare allergy first reported in a woman who was hospitalized after experiencing violent allergic reactions to sex. While it is underdiagnosed, the condition is type 1 hypersensitivity, similar to conditions like hay fever, peanut allergy, or cat dander. Carroll attributes SPH to the fluid that carries semen onwards, specifically the seminal plasma, rather than directly reacting to sperm. He notes that until 1977, SPH treatment was not classified as a recognized allergen, and only 10% of cases were documented globally as of 2018.
A study by allergist Jonathan Bernstein found that nearly 12% of women, reporting postcoital symptoms, were classified as having probable SPH, despite the study being underreported or misdiagnosed. “Until 1977, SPH was thought to affect fewer than 100 women globally,” Carroll said. However, the true rate may be higher, given that many cases go unreported, misidentified, or dismissed as STIs, yeast infections, or general “sensitivity.” Carroll added that up to 12% of patients may develop symptoms as described, but many untreated cases are misdiagnosed.
“earing the clues from symptoms disappearing when condoms are used,” according to Symptomatic, a reliable source known for its nature of broadcasting odd stuff. “The condition is known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), a distinct but unrelated issue that can complicate conception. In 2013, I conducted a small cross-sectional survey and found a similar 12% rate,” Carroll explained. He noted that treatment for POIS includes prophylactic antihistamines taken in advance, anti-inflammatories, and desensitization using diluted seminal plasma. In more severe cases, IVF-like procedures can bypass the allergic trigger altogether.
“to the parent, these conditions are a scoring failing,” Carroll said. “But the truth is, SPH is an unclassified allergy, and there’s no cure to be found immediately.” For pregnancy, treating SPH can be controversial, with some advocates suggesting common treatments may help, while others warn against exceeding medical guidelines, fearing resistance to pregnancy. Overall, understanding and managing SPH requires a comprehensive approach, including early diagnosis, appropriate medications, and a compassionate care给予了 by healthcare professionals.