Semen Allergy and Endometriosis

[Swan13]

Hello

I am new to the forums but hoping for some advice.

Sorry the following has some detailed info!

I have always known it would be slightly harder to concieve than the average woman due to having endometriosis. However, I have finally been diagnosed with a semen allergy which causes great discomfort after sex.

For years I have been told that I had recurring thrush and water infections. I found that if sperm did not get anywhere near me then these things did not happen. So as I was not trying for a baby we used the withdrawal method (I know!) or condoms. However when we tried to concieve earlier this year the reaction was so bad that I blistered in very intimate areas and was unable to have sex for at least a month after due to pain. Finally a clever doctor linked the symptons together and has been very helpful.

We have been told that we should no longer try to concieve natuarally as I could have a reaction so severe I could go into anaphylactic shock. The symptons can apparently become worse with age which angers me because I would never have waited if I had been diagonosed correctly when I first wen to the doctors about the discomfort 13 years ago. Despite being told not to me and my husband I still trying but I cannot bear to have spearm inside me for more than a few minutes as it burns .

We have now got our heads around the prospect of being poked and prodded and will be going to the doctors to ask to be referred to the specialist. We have been told that our two options are artifical insemination or IVF.

Can anyone tell me about their experiences with this. Also I am overweight by 2/3 stones. I have lost 3 and a half stone so far as I know that this might be a problem. Does anyone know if they will not healp me because of this? My doctor says that they can't with hold treatement but I am sure they can make it difficult.

Thanks for the help
L

 

[Trying4ever]

Oh wow thats interesting........you know I too get loads of water infections nowadays....I am forever taking a short course of antibiotcs especially after our sex marathon (I'm on clomid, and you have to at least 3 days in a row after follicle is released) ...but I don't get anything as bad as your reactions.

Do you mind me asking how old you are? I think you should do as the dr says and really stop trying the natural way cos of the reaction you come out with...you could be doing more harm to your insides than you think. The best way is to go with IUI or IVF and luckily your dr has referred you....thats half the nightmare, being heard and having a diagnosis and future plan. As your doc says they cant refuse you treatment....you've done really well to lose as much weight as you have....just carry on the way you have been to lose some more.

Personally, I think the weight thing is a load of crap .....cos they told me that i was underweight and it annoys me cos I'm not ...it's just my build and cos I'm tall......stupidly my target was to put on 2kg to be in the normal range in the BMI calculator!! I just put heavy keys in my pockets and wore my coat the next time I got weighed which bought it up to the range!! I have seen obese women that are pregnant and anorexic ethiopian women that get pregnant so I just dont buy this weight thing.

Good luck with your treatment and keep us updated.

 

[Swan13]

Thanks for your response.

I'm 30 later this year but feel very old as it seems as if everyone around me has little ones even those younger than me!

Has anyone had artificial insemination? What is involved?

Thanks

 

[Jan34]

Swan, are they talking about IUI or Insemination? In insemination they just put the sperm next to the cervix, so I imagine you'd have the same problem. IUI is Intra Uterine Injection, this means the sperm is inserted through the cervix via a catheter. Not had either by the way so can't offer much advice on what is involved, but I'm sure someone else on here will be able to.

Good luck.

P.s I'm always getting UTIs as well... you have my sympathies on that one! My GP says that I should pee straight after sex..... I told him there was no way I was dumping all the valuable sperm down the toilet and that if I have to suffer UTIs then I will!

 

[wishn2Bmom]

I have to say... that is insane. I am so sorry! I bet that news really hurt your OH's feelings also I would also say to follow your docs advise and cease the natural ttc. Not only does it sound quite dangerous to your health, but I also wonder if these allergic reactions you're having could be causing scaring on your innards. You may be allergic to semen, but you can still carry a child!!!!

 

[Trying4ever]

P.s I'm always getting UTIs as well... you have my sympathies on that one! My GP says that I should pee straight after sex..... I told him there was no way I was dumping all the valuable sperm down the toilet and that if I have to suffer UTIs then I will!

I was told that too!....and I also thought exactly the same thing, that if I stand up all the sperm will go south too so sod that.