Abstract
Background: Hypersensitivity to human seminal fluid is a rare condition that mainly affects younger women although reports have also demonstrated it occurring in postmenopausal women. The clinical features of this condition may occur soon after intercourse or at a later stage and vary from weak local reactions to life threatening anaphylactic reactions.
Objective: The main objective of this article to share our experience in managing a case with seminal fluid hypersensitivity. We also wanted to outline the management strategy we used to manage this difficult clinical scenario and compare with what has been done in the past.
Result: In our case, successful intravaginal desensitisation was carried out using diluted fresh seminal fluid at increasing concentrations. The couple were subsequently advised to have regular unprotected intercourse and to try to conceive naturally. The patient, however, was asked to continue taking antihistamines before sexual intercourse.
Conclusion: Human seminal fluid allergy is an uncommon condition. Diagnosis of the condition can be challenging and as a result this disorder can be underdiagnosed, especially in mild cases with local vaginal symptoms. As in our case, treatment of this clinical condition can be particularly challenging especially in the context of fertility.
Keywords: Hypersensitivity, desensitization, anaphylaxis, seminal fluid, intra uterine insemination, infertility.
Graphical Abstract
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