The Man Allergic to Orgasms
Earlier this year, doctors reported on a man who developed an allergy-like reaction to his own orgasms. He would experience symptoms similar to hay fever after ejacuating, such as fatigue, itchy eyes, stuffy or runny nose, and hives along his forearms. The condition, known as postorgasmic illness syndrome, began in the man’s late teens and had driven him to avoid sexual and romantic relationships.
Little is known about postorgasmic illness syndrome. But in at least some cases, it’s suspected to be caused by an overactive immune reaction to something in semen. The doctors in this case theorized that they might be able to help the man by treating him with a long-acting antihistamine, which is often used to manage other types of allergy. Fortunately, they were right, and the man was able to enjoy having orgasms with significantly reduced symptoms.
