Allergic to WHAT????

Last week, I was online doing research on SOMETHING.... I don't even remember what it was now, but I like most people, I'll have a headache and go online in search of headache causes, feel a sharp pain in my calf and look that up, and so on and so forth.  Anyway, I was online last week, looking up some symptom that led me to allergies.  As I was looking at various allergies, I came across a link that discussed being allergic to sperm.

Hold up!  What was that?  Yes, there is a such thing as being allergic to sperm.  Quite naturally, this drew me in.  I wondered, "How in the world can a woman live a life allergic to sperm?"  I also wondered if there were certain areas of the body that were more prone to allergic reactions than others or what.  Unfortunately (for ME anyway), the article didn't go that much in depth; but according to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/semen-allergy/AN01225), the allergy is related to proteins in semen and can include symptoms such as "redness, burning and swelling where the semen has contacted the skin, usually in the outer genital area. A small number of people may have a systemic response, including hives, itching and difficulty breathing."

Crazy, right?  Well, there's more! A man can actually be allergic to his own semen!!! Time Health and Family reports that a recent article by Reuters states that if a man exhibits flu-like symptoms immediately after ejaculation, it’s possible he may be allergic to his own semen. Look up the term "post orgasmic illness syndrome" and see for yourself.

Now, luckily for couples who are trying to have children, there is treatment and other ways to get around the allergy for the sake of reproduction.  There is also treatment available for those who participate in recreational sex; however, this still has to be a huge and uncomfortable burden for those that suffer with the condition. 

I'm sure no one ever really believes a person the first time they hear, "Yeah, I'm allergic to semen."  It sounds like an excuse meant to be take facetiously.  The funniest line I've read on a site discussing the issue said, "When his semen makes you burn-- but not with desire."    I chuckled, but then I thought about how often some people may be misdiagnosing themselves with other illnesses and seeking medications known to cure THOSE conditions when they could actually be allergic to sperm. All the more reason to go to the doctor and tell him EVERYTHING, no matter how embarrassing.
 http://healthland.time.com/2011/01/19/can-you-really-be-allergic-to-your-own-semen/#ixzz2ChEsfnCL