Need help answering a teen sex question.

[PurpleCat]

Hello! 

I don't wander here often but my DD asked me a question during a recent discussion about sex and I did not know the answer.  I told her I would see what I could find out.  (No, she's not ready for sex, just an ongoing dialog.)

Her question:  "If you have anaphylaxis from sex, does it feel the same as when you eat something you are allergic to or are the symptoms different?  How will I know?"

Thanks!

[CMdeux]

They can be different-- and generally this seems to start the way any other "contact" reaction starts.

Basically, imagine OAS... only, er-- yeah, different body parts.

But then it's like OAS symptoms that don't get better, and spread slowly (well, slowly in my experience); like a wave on an incoming tide, it just sort of keeps... getting worse... and worse... and worse.  Eventually, though it's just anaphylaxis.



Understand that I am referring to latex here, and that my experience with shellfish is probably too limited to be of much use in this context.  DH has been quite careful.

[rebekahc]

Yep, OAS South is a pretty good description.  Burning, itching, swelling in area of contact.  I have never had a reaction from allergen contaminated semen progress further. 

What I tell my kids is that by the time they're in a relationship committed enough to have semen contact, then their partner ought to be willing to completely avoid whatever's necessary.  DH thought he could eat peanut when he wasn't going to be around me - not true - he can't even eat highly contaminated like Logan's Roadhouse or Chinese without me reacting, so I suspect I'm more sensitive than most.  It may take some trial and error to find reaction threshold.

[PurpleCat]

DD has OAS so she knows how that feels different from anapylaxis.  Thanks for that analogy.  It just might help her understand a bit.

Poor thing is a bit scared because she's a teen, and she knows even with kissing, it will be hard to know if her "boyfriend" is "honest".  And your point is spot on about a committed relationship.

I'm guessing she will fall into the sensitive category.  She has had reactions after spitting the offending foods out, without actually eating.  Her OAS is instant and quick.

[GoingNuts]

It's not just the food allergen in semen that can cause a reaction; it can be the protein in the semen itself.

http://coolnurse.healthology.com/sexual-health/article1664.htm

Polyurethane condoms can be a gal's best friend. 

[krasota]

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