- With Mayo Clinic internist
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
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Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, certified by the American Board of Family Practice, has been practicing medicine at Mayo Clinic since 1995 with special interests in breast diseases and women's health.
She is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, and the Breast Diagnostic Clinic. She is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native stresses education and patient-related research and has been active in both areas since joining Mayo Clinic. She is the primary investigator at Mayo Clinic of several clinical trials evaluating new agents for the prevention of breast cancer and identification of biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer. Her other research and clinical interests include managing the health of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer, breast pain and hot flashes, and developing patient education decision-making tools for breast-related concerns. She is director of the Breast Diagnostic Clinic and is a member of the Women's Health Executive Committee. Dr. Pruthi has been newly elected as a member to the board of directors for the American Society of Breast Disease. She has assisted with a variety of articles for MayoClinic.com.
"Having an opportunity to share information with my patients in the way that will help them to understand and be able to make educated decisions about their own health is very important to me," she says.
"The Web has become a major information site for people, and I want them to get the best and accurate information to be able to make informed choices for themselves, their family members and friends."
Causes (6)
- Fallopian tubes: Is pregnancy possible with only one?
- Male masturbation: Does frequency affect male fertility?
- Semen allergy: A cause of infertility?
- see all in Causes
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Fertility herbs and supplements: Do they enhance fertility?
- Freezing eggs: An option for future pregnancies?
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Question
Semen allergy: A cause of infertility?
I often have a burning sensation in my vagina after my husband has ejaculated. My gynecologist has suggested I may have a semen allergy. How can I know for sure? Will this affect my ability to get pregnant?
Answer
from Sandhya Pruthi, M.D.
In rare cases, people have been known to have allergic reactions to proteins in their partner's semen (semen allergy). Semen allergy isn't a direct cause of infertility. However, using a condom, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent the allergic reaction, also prevents pregnancy.
Symptoms of semen allergy include redness, burning and swelling where the semen has contacted the skin, usually in the outer genital area. A small number of people may have a systemic response, including hives, itching and difficulty breathing. If you experience these signs and symptoms, see your doctor. He or she can help you determine whether you have a semen allergy. Allergy testing may be necessary.
If your sensitivity to semen is severe, you may still be able to get pregnant through artificial insemination using sperm washed free of semen proteins to prevent a reaction, or through in vitro fertilization.
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