Latest news with #JonathanBernstein
News.com.au
16 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a common allergy
Itchy genitalia, a burning sensation, and feeling breathless are all considered normal after sex. But for a growing number of women, these symptoms could be a sign of seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH) — an allergy to semen. While it's considered a rare allergy, it's also underdiagnosed. Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explained it isn't triggered by sperm cells, but the fluid that carried the sperm. 'First documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalised after a 'violent allergic reaction' to sex, SPH is now recognised as a type 1 hypersensitivity, the same category as hay fever, peanut allergy and cat dander,' he said, according to The Sun. Writing for The Conversation, Associate Professor Carroll said symptoms of SPH can range from mild to severe. While some women experience local reactions, such as burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vulva or vagina, others develop full-body symptoms such ashives, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis. He added: 'Until 1977, SPH was thought to affect fewer than 100 women globally. 'But a study led by allergist Jonathan Bernstein found among women reporting post-coital symptoms, nearly 12 per cent could be classified as having probable SPH. 'I conducted a small, unpublished survey in 2013 and found a similar 12 per cent rate. The true figure may be higher still. 'Many cases go unreported, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as STIs, yeast infections, or general 'sensitivity'. 'One revealing clue: symptoms disappear when condoms are used.' The main allergen, according to Carroll, is prostate-specific antigen — a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. And cross-reactivity is a possibility, for example, f5, a protein found in dog dander, is structurally similar to PSA. So a woman allergic to dogs may also be allergic to semen too. Also, woman may not be the only ones affected, said Carroll. It's possible some men be allergic to their own semen too. A paper published in American Journal of Case Reports described a 22-year-old was consumed by sneezing, watery eyes, stomach cramps, muscle pain and deep fatigue in the hours after climaxing. The condition is known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS). While SPH doesn't cause infertility directly, it can complicate conception. Carroll said: 'Avoiding the allergen – usually the most effective treatment for allergies – isn't feasible for couples trying to conceive. Treatments include prophylactic antihistamines (antihistamine medications taken in advance of anticipated exposure to an allergen, or before allergy symptoms are expected to appear to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic reactions), anti-inflammatories and desensitisation using diluted seminal plasma. In more severe cases, couples may choose IVF with washed sperm, bypassing the allergic trigger altogether.
New York Post
a day ago
- Health
- New York Post
Semen allergy is real — and often misdiagnosed. Here are the troubling signs
This is nuts! For a small but suffering contingent of women, an allergy to semen is seriously interfering with intimacy. A semen allergy, also known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), is a rare reaction to proteins found in male spermatic fluid, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 4 A semen allergy, also known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), is a rare allergic reaction to proteins found in male spermatic fluid. doucefleur – SPH is recognized as a Type 1 hypersensitivity, characterized by a rapid, exaggerated immune response to an allergen, putting semen in the same category as peanuts and pet dander. For those afflicted, reactions to exposure to ejaculate run the gamut from burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vulva or vagina to hives, shortness of breath, dizziness and even anaphylaxis. One Colorado college student with SPH reported that oral sex led to inflammation and temporary facial paralysis. She said that the severity of the side effects depends on the quantity of sperm she's encountered. Experts believe the condition, which can be life-threatening if there's anaphylaxis, is underreported. SPH was first documented in 1967, when a woman was hospitalized following a 'violent allergic reaction' to sex. For the next three decades, it was assumed that SPH affected fewer than 100 women worldwide. Yet, a 1997 study led by allergist Jonathan Bernstein revealed that nearly 12% of reported postcoital symptoms could be classified as SPH. 4 SPH does not directly cause infertility, but it can make conception challenging. nito – In 2013, Michael Carroll, an associate professor in reproductive science, conducted a small, unpublished survey that found a similar rate. However, he maintains that the true number may be much higher. 'Many cases go unreported, misdiagnosed or dismissed as STIs, yeast infections or general 'sensitivity,' ' Carroll wrote this week in The Conversation. 'A 2024 study reinforced this finding, suggesting that SPH is both more common and more commonly misdiagnosed than previously believed.' This condition is now believed to affect one in 40,000 people. Experts maintain that the main allergen is not sperm cells themselves, but prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in seminal plasma. 4 While condoms mitigate the risk of allergen exposure to PSA, for some unlucky lovers, allergies to semen and condoms make intimacy particularly challenging. Pixel-Shot – Interestingly, there appears to be cross-reactivity. Carroll notes that Can f 5, a protein found in dog dander, is structurally similar to human PSA, meaning that women allergic to dogs may have a higher likelihood of experiencing an allergic reaction to semen. It is also possible to be exposed to an allergen through ejaculate. In 2022, OnlyFans star Lucy Banks shared her experience of suffering an allergic reaction to peanuts from her partner's ejaculate. She has since been spreading a warning to others about the dangers of sexually transmitted food allergies — especially from a peanut-loaded penis. Diagnosis of SPH is, of course, made via skin prick. 4 Lucy Banks is warning others to be cautious of sexually transmitted food allergies after her own experience. Instagram/ @itsnotlucybanks While condoms mitigate the risk of allergen exposure to PSA, for some unlucky lovers, allergies to semen and condoms make intimacy particularly troublesome. SPH does not directly cause infertility, though conception can be challenging. Treatments for would-be parents include antihistamine medication before intercourse, anti-inflammatories after and/or desensitization therapy using diluted seminal plasma. In cases where the allergic reaction is severe, some couples turn to IVF using washed sperm free from seminal plasma to divert the allergic trigger. In rare instances, men can be allergic to semen. Known as post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), the condition is characterized by extreme fatigue, weakness, a fever or sweating, mood changes or irritability, problems concentrating, a stuffy nose and itching eyes following intercourse. These symptoms can occur within seconds, minutes or even a few hours after ejaculation — and they can last from two to seven days. POIS was first documented in 2002, and more than 50 cases have been recorded worldwide. However, experts believe that, similar to SPH, the actual incidence rate could be even higher. Believed to be an autoimmune response or allergic reaction, POIS is also diagnosed via skin testing.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
KalVista Pharmaceuticals Shares Latest Sebetralstat Findings at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2025 Annual Meeting
–Sebetralstat enabled prompt treatment of laryngeal HAE attacks with median time of 1 hour and 16 minutes to onset of symptom relief– –Pooled data analysis showed adolescents treated with sebetralstat in median 4 minutes compared to over 3 hours in surveys – CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & SALISBURY, England, March 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KALV) today announced the presentation of novel sebetralstat data related to laryngeal hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks and adolescents with HAE at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) / World Allergy Organization (WAO) 2025 Joint Congress taking place in San Diego, CA from February 28–March 3, 2025. "The growing body of data from the KONFIDENT-S study consistently demonstrate that sebetralstat enabled early treatment and fast symptom relief from HAE attacks, regardless of age, attack location, or severity," said Ben Palleiko, CEO of KalVista. "This is especially critical for vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing laryngeal attacks or adolescents whose only approved options are injectable on-demand treatments. Sebetralstat, if approved, would be the first oral on-demand treatment for HAE attacks, with the potential to address some of the most significant unmet needs in HAE and become the foundational therapy for HAE management." Effectiveness of Sebetralstat for the On-demand Treatment of Laryngeal Hereditary Angioedema Attacks: Interim Analysis from KONFIDENT-S was presented by Jonathan Bernstein, MD, FAAAAI, Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; Partner at Bernstein Allergy Group and Clinical Research Center. 32 laryngeal attacks were treated with sebetralstat (September 14, 2024 cutoff) Median time to treatment with sebetralstat: 11.5 minutes after attack onset Median time to beginning of symptom relief: 1.27 hours 96% of those achieving beginning of symptom relief within 12 hours did so with a single dose No reports of difficulty swallowing film-coated tablet "Laryngeal attacks are often unpredictable and can progress rapidly, potentially leading to asphyxiation," said Dr. Bernstein. "Any attack involving the larynx must be considered a medical emergency and treated as quickly as possible after onset before symptoms worsen. Despite this, recent U.S. survey data showed the mean time to treatment for laryngeal attacks with injectable on-demand therapies was 2.5 hours. Patients in the KONFIDENT-S study treated their attacks with sebetralstat, with a median time to treatment of just under 12 minutes, followed by symptom relief with a median time of 1 hour and 16 minutes. These results show that in the time it takes many patients to decide whether to treat, prepare and administer an injectable on-demand treatment, most patients in KONFIDENT-S were already experiencing symptom relief. If approved, sebetralstat could represent a therapeutic advance over injectables." On-demand Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema Attacks with Sebetralstat In Adolescents: Pooled Analysis From KONFIDENT And KONFIDENT-S was presented by Professor Danny Cohn, Head of the HAE clinic at Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. 149 attacks were treated with sebetralstat across KONFIDENT/KONFIDENT-S (September 14, 2024 cutoff) Median time from attack onset to treatment: 4 minutes Safety and efficacy consistent with adults; no serious adverse events or adverse events leading to discontinuation "Adolescents face considerable challenges in treating their HAE attacks, with substantially longer delays to treatment than adults. This challenge is compounded in the U.S., where the only approved treatments options require either intravenous administration or subcutaneous administration by an HCP," said Dr. Cohn. "The pooled data from the KONFIDENT and KONFIDENT-S studies show that adolescents administered sebetralstat in a median of 4 minutes after attack onset, which compares favorably to a median of 3 hours and mean of 5.2 hours based on international survey data that was presented at AAAAI by Dr. Paula Busse titled, 'Burden of Injectable On-Demand Treatment for Hereditary Angioedema Attacks in Adolescents'. Importantly, the safety and effectiveness of sebetralstat were consistent with what was observed in adults. The portability and ease of administration of sebetralstat, along with the elimination of injection-site reactions and associated anxiety, has the potential to bring transformative change to this underserved patient population." Links to all posters and presentations shared at AAAAI can be found on the KalVista website under Publications. About Sebetralstat Sebetralstat is an investigational, novel oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). We have filed multiple regulatory applications seeking approval of sebetralstat as the first oral, on-demand treatment for HAE in individuals aged 12 and older, with ongoing studies exploring its use in children aged 2 to 11. If approved, sebetralstat has the potential to become the foundational therapy for HAE management worldwide. About Hereditary Angioedema Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease resulting in deficiency or dysfunction in the C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) protein and subsequent uncontrolled activation of the kallikrein-kinin system. People living with HAE experience painful and debilitating attacks of tissue swelling in various locations of the body that can be life-threatening depending on the area affected. All currently approved on-demand treatment options require either intravenous or subcutaneous administration. About KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and delivering life-changing oral therapies for individuals affected by rare diseases with significant unmet needs. Our lead investigational product is sebetralstat, a novel, oral, on-demand treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE). Sebetralstat is under regulatory review by the U.S. FDA, with a PDUFA goal date of June 17, 2025. In addition, we have completed Marketing Authorization Applications for sebetralstat to the European Medicines Agency and multiple other global regulatory authorities. For more information about KalVista, please visit or follow us on social media at @KalVista and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what we expect. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, timing or outcomes of communications with the FDA, our expectations about safety and efficacy of our product candidates and timing of clinical trials and its results, our ability to commence clinical studies or complete ongoing clinical studies, including our KONFIDENT-S and KONFIDENT-KID trials, and to obtain regulatory approvals for sebetralstat and other candidates in development, the success of any efforts to commercialize sebetralstat, the ability of sebetralstat and other candidates in development to treat HAE or other diseases, and the future progress and potential success of our oral Factor XIIa program. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect our business and financial results are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2024, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and our other reports that we may make from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. View source version on Contacts Ryan BakerHead, Investor Relations(617) Molly CameronDirector, Corporate Communications(978) Sign in to access your portfolio
