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CASE REPORT article

Front. Med.
Sec. Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 11 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1403477

Human seminal plasma allergy diagnosis for a woman with unexplained infertility

Provisionally accepted
  • 1 Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
  • 2 Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Background: Infertility is a pressing global public health concern, affecting millions worldwide, and the diagnosis of unexplained infertility poses particular challenges. Human seminal plasma allergy, a rarely diagnosed type I hypersensitivity reaction, emerges as a potential but often overlooked contributor to female infertility. With rare reported cases globally, the condition's low awareness and insufficient differential diagnosis may mask its actual prevalence. Case report: This case report presents the clinical case of a 29-year-old woman with unexplained infertility who underwent two unsuccessful IVF procedures and was subsequently diagnosed with human seminal plasma allergy. The patient, known for bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis exacerbated by inhalant allergens, exhibited eosinophilia and a history of local allergy symptoms (burning sensation, vulvar pruritus, edema, and general discomfort) as well as sneezing and nasal congestion following unprotected intercoursesymptoms compatible with human seminal plasma allergy. Molecular allergy diagnostics revealed pronounced sensitization to dust mites and Can f 5, a canine-specific allergen. A positive skin prick test using her partner's sperm confirmed the diagnosis of human seminal plasma allergy. The patient's medical history also includes mild endometriosis, raising questions about the interplay between allergic conditions and fertility. Treatment options such as barrier contraception, antihistamine therapy, and sperm desensitization are discussed. Conclusions: Highlighting the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals, this case emphasizes the significance of reporting and sharing clinical experiences to enhance our understanding of this rare condition. As researchers continue to accumulate relevant information, a more comprehensive understanding of human seminal plasma allergy and its potential impact on female fertility will contribute to improved diagnostic protocols and expanded treatment options. This case report contributes to the growing body of knowledge surrounding this rare allergy, serving as a reminder of possible intricate relationships between allergic conditions and reproductive health.

    Keywords: Human seminal plasma allergy, Sperm allergy, HSP, Infertility, Unexplained infertility, Can f 5, cross-reactivity, PSA

    Received: 19 Mar 2024; Accepted: 12 Aug 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Didziokaite, Kuznecovaite, Biliute and Kvedariene. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Gabija Didziokaite, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.