People who have a semen allergy may try a therapy called hyposensitization. This is similar to allergy shots (immunotherapy), in that a patient is exposed to low doses of the allergen – in this case, semen – in hopes of being desensitized.

Women with semen allergies may undergo a form of hyposensitization known as an intravaginal seminal graded challenge (ISGC). During this treatment, samples of semen are placed into the vagina every 20 minutes over a period of a few hours. The initial samples are highly diluted, but over the course of the treatment the concentration is gradually increased until desensitization occurs.

In another form of treatment, proteins from the ejaculate of a man are injected under the skin of his sexual partner or himself, depending on who has the allergy. The amount of semen is increased in a series of injections every 10 to 15 minutes over the span of several weeks until desensitization has occurred.

Hyposensitization therapy appears to have a high rate of success in those who undergo treatment. However, it can be costly, and many insurance plans do not pay for it. This procedure is only available at a few major medical centers. In addition, patients must engage in sexual intercourse two to three times per week to maintain the desensitization.

Condom use is an economical alternative for those with semen allergy. Use of a condom almost always eliminates symptoms associated with an allergy to semen. Condoms should be used before sexual activity begins, to prevent the allergic patient from being exposed to any semen leakage.

Sometimes, condom use itself is the problem. This is especially true for those who have latex allergies. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends polyurethane condoms as a good alternative to latex condoms. The female condom that is now available is also made of polyurethane. Lambskin condoms can be used as an alternative, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases unless used in conjunction with a polyurethane or latex condom.

Spermicides and lubricants are frequently used with condoms, and these, especially spermicide, can trigger allergies. Those who react to such substances should be careful to purchase condoms that do not contain them, and to avoid spermicide use with diaphragms or other methods of birth control.

Patients allergic to lubricants may try a different brand of condoms that use a different type of lubricant. In addition, patients may try patch testing the skin prior to sexual activity to determine if a lubricant may cause an allergic reaction. Patch testing may be performed as part of an allergy screening process by the physician.

For women with semen allergies who are trying to become pregnant, physicians may recommend artificial insemination with sperm that has been washed free of semen proteins. This process lessens the likelihood of the semen causing an allergic reaction. In vitro fertilization is also an option.