Allergy to Semen: A Rare Cause of Anaphylaxis

A previously healthy lady in her mid-30s presented to the medical emergency with recurrent episodes of flushing, rash, wheezing, chest tightness, palpitations, dyspnoea, and loss of consciousness. After five months of intensive medical investigations, she was referred to the gynaecological team, and a detailed clinical history made it clear that these episodes always occurred after unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse. The patient was thoroughly investigated with cardiological evaluation and imaging. Eventually, a semen allergy test was performed by injecting 1 cc of semen subcutaneously in the forearm, which pushed the patient into anaphylactic shock. The patient was treated with hydrocortisone, adrenaline, and an antihistamine. The patient recovered within 24 hours. The patient was diagnosed with a semen allergy. After the diagnosis, the patient was given an EpiPen and instructed to use condoms for sexual intercourse. Barrier contraception prevented any further episodes.