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Alternative Names: Human Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity (HSPH). Since returning from the Persian Gulf War of 1991, veterans and/or their wives have reported burning after contact with semen. This has been called Burning Semen Syndrome (BSS). This syndrome is currently under investigation to establish whether it is toxic, immunologic or infectious in nature. These reactions are similar to those experienced by women with established allergic reactions to their husband's semen. Semen allergy was first reported by gynecologists in 1958, but the prevalence of the condition was basically unknown until a University of Cincinnati College of Medicine study in 1996. Dr. Jonathan A. Bernstein, the lead author of the study, said the disorder was much more common than previously recognized after a survey of 1,073 women who were suspected of having "semen allergy" symptoms. The localized reactions can include vaginal burning, pain, swelling, redness, or blisters forming within 30 minutes of exposure to semen.
The systemic reactions can include generalized itching, hives, angioedema, wheezing, and in very rare cases anaphylaxis. Semen allergies may also make it difficult to conceive.
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