Latest news with #SPH
New York Post
2 days 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 nito – In 2013, Michael Carroll, an associate professor in reproductive science, conducted a small, unpublished survey that found a similar rate.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.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a surprisingly common allergy
Plus, when to call 999 after an allergic reaction LOVE HURTS Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a surprisingly common allergy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ITCHY genitals, 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A growing number of women could suffer with a semen allergy Credit: Getty While it's considered a rare allergy, it's also underdiagnosed. And Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explains it isn't triggered by sperm cells, but the fluid that carried the sperm. He said: "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." Writing for The Conversation, Carroll says symptoms of SPH can range from mild to severe. Read more on sex A DROUGHT The sex position & tips that will keep you cool whilst you're getting heated While some women experience local reactions, such as burning, itching, redness and swelling of the vulva or vagina, others develop full-body symptoms, like hives, 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 postcoital 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." Grand Designs' 'most ambitious project EVER' as parents build incredible allergy-proof 'healthy house' to protect kids 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.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Itching, swelling and burning after sex may be signs of a surprisingly common allergy
ITCHY genitals, 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. And Michael Carroll, associate professor in reproductive science at Manchester Metropolitan University, explains it isn't triggered by sperm cells, but the fluid that carried the sperm. He said: "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." Writing for The Conversation, Carroll says 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, like hives, 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 postcoital 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." Grand Designs' 'most ambitious project EVER' as parents build incredible allergy-proof 'healthy house' to protect kids 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. When to call 999 after an allergic reaction Call 999 if: your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air) your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet) you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy someone faints and cannot be woken up a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face) You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
CNA
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Radio DJ Glenn Ong says he's lost 11kg from the time he was ‘unhappily married'
Radio DJ Glenn Ong appeared to take a dig at his ex-wife and fellow radio DJ Jean Danker in an Instagram post on Wednesday (Jun 18) where he talked about the progress he's been making with his trainer. He sharing that his weight went down from the 84kg he was when he was "unhappily married" to the "crazy happy 73kg" he is now. Danker, 46, who is at Mediacorp's Class 95, and Ong, 54, who is at SPH's Kiss92 announced their split in December 2024 after eight years of marriage. They said at the time they made the announcement that the decision to split was "not an easy one". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glenn Ong (@glennn) 'Time really flies. 55 on Sunday,' Ong said in the caption of his post, adding that he has been working out with a trainer two to three times weekly for the past two years. 'Always choose happy if you can,' Ong added in all caps. He continued that he still could not seem to hit his target weight of 70kg, but he will settle for 72 to 73kg because he feels 'really awesome' now. Ong's post comes over a week after , including the fact that she's being asked out by younger men.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Singapore dollar surges to 1.29 to US dollar amid Asia currency rally
The Singapore' dollar was up 0.6 per cent to 1.2922 per US dollar as at 12.07am local time. - PHOTO: SPH via The Straits Times/ANN SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): Asian currencies rallied on Monday (May 5) on hopes of a thaw in the US-China trade war and regional tariff deals with the Trump administration. Taiwan led the charge, with its currency surging as much as 5 per cent, the biggest intraday gain in over three decades, on speculation that exporters are rushing to convert their holdings of US dollars to the island's currency. The Taiwan dollar has advanced more than 10 per cent over the past month. Malaysia's ringgit advanced 1.3 per cent to its strongest since October 2024, while South Korea's won also strengthened by 1.3 per cent. Singapore's currency was up 0.6 per cent to 1.292 per US dollar as at 12.07pm local time. This brought its advance to date in 2025 to 5.3 per cent. The last time the Singapore dollar closed above the 1.29 level was in September 2024. The Japanese yen also rose 0.6 per cent against the US currency, while the Australian dollar was up 0.5 per cent. Currencies have rallied across Asia in recent weeks as the US dollar faltered on concern that US President Donald Trump's tariff war will hurt the world's largest economy. The latest surge comes after Mr Trump suggested the US may strike trade deals with some countries as soon as this week. He also signalled that his aides are having conversations with counterparts from China. 'A lot of people are thinking we've moved on from the tariff escalation phase to the de-escalation phase and likely the negotiation phase as well,' said Joey Chew, head of Asia forex research at HSBC Holdings. Given that Asian economies are very export focused, 'what we're seeing in recent weeks is FX (foreign exchange) hedging flows rather than asset reallocation flows', she said. The volume of US dollar-Taiwan dollar trades in Taipei early on May 5 jumped to the highest since the 2008 global financial crisis. Banks have been bombarded with customer inquiries over the surge, with Cathay United Bank introducing virtual queues on its online app to 'maintain system stability'. Despite the currency's gains, Taiwan's monetary authority has not been seen actively intervening in the market on May 5 to limit its strength, though it typically does so to smooth out volatility. 'Local exporters are panicking, and local lifers are under-hedged, while equity-related outflows have ceased,' said Ju Wang, head of Greater China foreign-exchange and rates at BNP Paribas in Hong Kong. 'The central bank remains the only buyer but has not been aggressively supporting the market, fueling speculation that currency valuation is part of the trade talks.' One of the reasons exporters are buying Taiwan dollars is expectations that the authorities will allow the currency to appreciate to help reach a trade deal with the US. Taiwan's government said on May 3 its negotiation team had conducted the first round of meetings with the US on May 1, though no details were released. 'The Taiwan dollar is appreciating at a faster pace than I've ever seen. Hot money is coming into Taiwan, and the central bank is allowing it,' said a senior Taiwanese financial industry executive, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. The soaring Taiwan dollar has also stoked speculation that some Asian countries were prepared to strengthen their currencies to win US trade concessions. But Taiwan's central bank said on May 5 that the US had not requested the Taiwan dollar's appreciation and that the bank would continue to maintain the dollar's dynamic stability. Elsewhere, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority recently responded to weakness in the greenback by buying a record amount of dollars to defend its currency peg. Last week, speculative traders became more bearish on the dollar than at any time since September 2024, in a sign of growing reluctance among investors to hold US assets. Buying of Asian currencies intensified on May 2 on expectations that trade relations between the world's top two economies might finally improve. That was because the Chinese Commerce Ministry said it had noted senior US officials repeatedly expressing their willingness to talk to Beijing about tariffs. Looking ahead, Wall Street still expects concern over the dollar to persist despite the May 2 stronger-than-expected US jobs data. The employment report was 'a reflection of what might have been, rather than a sign of what will be', Goldman Sachs said. Morgan Stanley strategists led by Mr David S. Adams wrote in a note: 'We are bearish on the dollar as the US yield curve bull-steepens and investors continue to hedge US investments.' The firm is bullish on the euro and yen. -- BLOOMBERG
