Allergy is mainly associated with substances that we have inhaled or swallowed, sometimes with drugs. From irritating and annoying to scary and life-threatening, intimate allergies can cripple your sex life. What are they due to? Sex and latex – not always a good pair This phenomenon has gained more and more publicity in recent years. There are many reasons. First of all, allergic diseases are becoming more common. In addition, a person has more and more contact with latex during his life – gloves, pacifiers, condoms, balloons and what not – which increases the possibility of sensitization to it. For example, there is a risk of such an allergy in healthcare workers who are daily companions of latex or in patients who have undergone multiple operations and who have also had prolonged contact with it. Until recently, the widely used gloves with talcum powder contributed, as the talcum powder promoted airborne dusting and inhalation of small latex particles, which also sensitized the body. In practice, latex is not as artificial a substance as it seems – it is produced from the rubber tree, and it is the rubber proteins that cause the allergic reaction. It has been found that latex allergy occurs often in people with allergies to bananas, avocados, kiwis, cantaloupe, tomatoes, celery. Symptoms, as with any allergic disease, can vary widely. Mild forms include local irritation – burning, pain, redness, rash and itching. Severe cases can lead to asthma or life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Even if the complaints are weak, a solution must be sought, because with prolonged exposure to latex they can only get worse. The solution is to change the condom. There are synthetic polyisoprene condoms that are as good as latex condoms in terms of protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition to an allergy to latex, it is not superfluous to think about an intolerance reaction to the spermicidal gels that are used in condoms. Trying different brands or gel-free condoms can help you find the right condom. Rare Semen Allergy Semen allergy is a very rare condition indeed. It can be suspected when, after sexual contact without a condom, the woman reports complaints such as itching and rash. And here the reactions can be violent – angioedema, asthma, anaphylaxis – low blood pressure, dizziness, difficulty breathing, change in pulse. Other not so obvious signs are frequent pain in the small pelvis after intercourse or the inability to conceive, although no reasons have been found for this. Due to the rarity of the disease, diagnosis is difficult. A laboratory indicator that can give the direction is a positive skin allergy test to dog allergen in a patient who has no contact with dogs.The reason for this is the presence of a cross-reaction between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and dog allergen. NEWS_MORE_BOX Contrary to the latex allergy, here condoms are the quick solution to the problem. Keep in mind that even skin contact with semen can cause an allergic reaction, even in the absence of sexual contact. Regarding the problems of reproduction, it is necessary to seek a specialist. In some cases, sperm can only be a carrier. A sudden allergy to it may indicate that the partner has consumed products to which the victim has an intolerance. There are similar cases after consuming Brazil nuts and other nuts, as well as when taking antibiotics. The “killer” kiss Cases of severe anaphylaxis and even death after a kiss have been described. In fact, if one partner has consumed a food that is dangerous for the other, then with a kiss, the residual amount of the substance in the saliva is enough to trigger an allergic reaction. About 6% of those seeking medical help for allergic reactions report having been on a romantic date before. Good oral hygiene may not always help. Antibiotics are highly allergenic drugs. Meanwhile, when taking some of them, minimal secretion of the substance in the saliva is possible. This may also be enough to trigger the severe reaction. Allergies interfering with intimate life can be unpredictable. That is why, if a person has a known allergy, he should inform his relatives about it. Adolescents should be encouraged in this direction because they do not realize the danger they are exposing themselves to.That is why, if a person has known allergy, he should inform his relatives about it. Adolescents should be encouraged in this direction because they do not realize the danger they are exposing themselves to.That is why, if a person has known allergy, he should inform his relatives about it. Adolescents should be encouraged in this direction because they do not realize the danger they are exposing themselves to.