Suspect allergy to semen? (I have extreme allergy that ends up as Kidney Infection) - Women's Health Message Board

xoomxoom · 02-17-2004, 10:23 PM

Friends,

(I was reviewing some past posts on the previous HealthBoards message board and this topic came up.)

I have suffered the same 'allergy' for the last 7 years with my husband. I have a severe reaction to any tiny bit of semen - it travels up my urethra/bladder and into my kidneys and strikes! At one time, I would first suffer a bladder infection, compounded by a yeast infection and then once day my back started hurting.. This was after the first time any semen was allowed to remain in my body.. I went for an ultrasound, which found nothing, and finally the docs decided to give me a low level antibiotic to kill the bladder infection.. A few weeks later, with severe back pain (unable to stand/walk), a high fever and a serious on going headache, I went to the ER and they found traces of an infection within my Kidneys.. I was given an IV of antibiotics and was TOTALLY fine the next morning when I awoke.

Since then, I have learned to recognize the signs. I know how careful we have to be (I am also allergic to latex, therefore even if we wanted to use condoms, they're out of the question) and still get these infections 3-5 times a year. I recognize now, however, as soon as my back starts.. and the headaches (mild migraine sort and place - no light, no sound and sleep is the only cure) and then the fever hits and I know that I have only a few hours before the pain causes delleria.. and the ER is inevitable.

Here's the problem: I fight every doctor I end up seeing because none of them believe me. In fact, most all but laugh. They end up relenting and giving me Cipro (antibiotic) as I demand, just to shut me up...

Now, I'm without insurance and have yet another infection.. I am worried, as I've run out of my smuggled supply of Cipro and am staving off the infection (rather lessening it) with Amoxicillan (from a friend).. Now I have to convince some free clinic of my delimma and only successful treatment.. Hopefully my husband will find work soon and I will once again be insured.

Oh.. and one more thing.. Pregnancy? Yeah, right. We're looking into adopting as I can't imagine what havoc would be wrought on my body should I actually be able to carry to term. I have been pregnant twice in the last 7 years and miscarried both times, once because of the infection alone and the other time because of the infection and subsequent medication.

Adoption it is! There are so many children out there that need a chance anyway, perhaps this was what we have been meant to do all along.

Have any questions? Need more info? I too have done extensive research (mostly in effort to either convince a doctor or settle my own fretting) and am happy to share it with you.

Cheers!

Blastoff9600 · 02-18-2004, 07:34 AM

First condoms arent out of the question,there are nonlatex condoms that you can look into to using. There are natural condoms(lambskin) or polyurethane.
From what I have seen on semen allergies it normally only effects the vagina or vuvla(outside area of the vagina). This might sound silly but it has to be asked..are you making sure you go to the bathroom both before and after sex? You see peeing before and after sex helps in prevent UTIs and that might be what is going on with you. With sex bacteria gets pushed up into the urethra and hence UTIs can occur or other such problems. Another thing to think of is to have your Dh(husband) tested to make sure he isnt carrying something that could be causing your problem. I am not saying he has anything but it is something to think on because many times guys can be a carrier and not have any problems while their partner suffers. I know you cant really have your Dh tested now since you dont have insurance but it something to consider for when you do have it. Though you might be able to get the health clinic to run some tests on him. You can try talking to someone at Planned Parenthood or such and explain what has been going on to see if they can be more helpful than your past doctors.