The signs you could be allergic to sex
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It’s something no one wants – an allergy to sex.
But like all things in life, it is possible to be allergic to getting down and dirty.
It occurs when something triggers the allergic response in your immune system – think latex in condoms or a new lube.
But it can be hard to recognize because some of the symptoms, such as heavy breathing, a fast heartbeat and sweating, are expected after a moment of heated passion.
You should be aware of possible allergy symptoms, though, because if they are left untreated they can start to get worse, and that will really ruin your enjoyment of sex.
Lindsey Doe, a clinical sexologist and host of YouTube series Sexpectations, explains there are several key symptoms to look out for: wheezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, hives, vaginal burning, swelling, blistering, chest tightness, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of consciousness.
Here are six sexy-time things you could be allergic to:
1. Orgasm
Here’s something you definitely don’t want to be allergic to, but some people are.
You may have a condition called post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), or post-ejaculatory illness syndrome.
This can leave you feeling weak, feverish, tired and irritable, according to Doe.
The rare condition also causes flu-like symptoms to start immediately after you have, ahem, finished.
“They have trouble concentrating and struggle with head congestion promptly after ejaculating semen,” Doe said.
“Researchers who’ve studied POIS aren’t all in agreement, but many of them believe that the cause is semen – that those affected are allergic to their own semen.”
It is also possible to be allergic to someone else’s semen, a condition known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity.
“Basically a protein in the fluid triggers an allergic reaction, usually pain and burning,” Doe added.
You may also experience hives, swelling, chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, diarrhea and loss of consciousness.
According to a recent Tulane University study, POIS was first documented in 2002 and there have been more than 50 cases recorded worldwide – but it could be even higher if men have not heard of the condition before.
2. Latex
Latex is one of the main materials used in condoms, but unfortunately, many people are allergic to it.
It is also used in some sex toys, so having this allergy can cause quite a bit of trouble in the bedroom.
If you have a latex allergy you may experience vaginal irritation, itching and burning.
Some people may also develop a rash.
The easiest way to determine if you have a latex allergy is if you have a reaction every time you have sex with a condom or any other product that contains latex, like dams and toys.
But there are other ingredients in condoms and other contraceptives that can cause a bad reaction too.
Materials like casein, the dry-dusting powder that makes them less sticky, and the parabens which are used to stop bacteria growth.
The reactions usually clear up in a few days.
There are no regulations for sex products, so manufacturers don’t have to list all the materials in their products.
Fortunately, there are non-latex condoms you can buy, so you can still enjoy sex while being safe.
3. Lubes
As with condoms, lubricants contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
The symptoms will be very similar – itching, burning, swelling and a rash.
“Lubes that advertise flavors, cooling or heating sensations and numbing can have any number of additives your system may not like,” Doe said.
“Glycerin is another culprit – it can cause an allergic reaction but it also has the potential to convert to sugar and instigate a yeast infection with similar symptoms to an allergy.”
Other possible irritants include pain reducers benzocaine and lidocaine, L-Arginine to boost arousal, preservative nitrosamines or nonoxynol-9 to kill sperm.
If you think you have a lube allergy, stop using the lube to see if the symptoms go away. If they don’t, you should speak to a doctor.
4. Trauma
Some women can experience a reaction in the bedroom if they have a bad relationship with sex.
“To my knowledge, there isn’t an actual allergy to intercourse, but there is something very close called dyspareunia,” Doe said.
“Basically something psychological precipitates a physiological response.
“For example, abuse in the relationship, shame around sexuality or a lack of trust in one’s partner might correspond with inflammation or a rash.
“Like any other allergy the immune system is doing its best to signal something is wrong.”
Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful intercourse.
Symptoms include pain during penetration, pain during sex, burning, aching and a throbbing pain that can last for hours after sex.
It can be caused by physical and emotional problems.
If you are experiencing this you should speak to a doctor.
5. Birth control
Some women may experience an allergic response to their birth control, particularly if they have just changed their contraceptive method.
“A good starting point for your own investigation [into your allergy] is logging what happens,” Doe said.
“What are your symptoms and what happened that is the same or different than the days without an allergic reaction.”
Side effects of taking the pill can include headaches, nausea and vomiting, stomach problems and diarrhea, a rash and high or low blood pressure.
These are similar to an allergic reaction and, if they persist, you should speak to a doctor about other options.
Similar reactions can happen with other contraceptives like the implant, injection and NuvaRing.
6. Pre-sex routine
It might not be anything to do with sex that is causing your allergic reaction, rather something you are doing beforehand.
“Maybe that you’re not allergic to sex, but that the meal you ate before a sex date or the meds you take before bed and sex are messing with your immune system,” Doe said.
“Maybe the pre-sex shower involves the soap that your body reacts to or the massage oil that you use to get in the mood actually irritates your skin.”
If you have noticed any allergic reactions think back to what you have done that is new or different and try eliminating that first.
Change your soap, massage oil or any other products you are using and see if your reaction goes away.
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