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What Are the Signs of a Vaginal Allergic Reaction?

C. K. Lanz
C. K. Lanz

The most common signs of a vaginal allergic reaction include itching, burning, and general discomfort. The vaginal area will often be red and swollen, and there may be discharge as well. These symptoms can have myriad causes, ranging from perfumes or other ingredients in soap and health products to synthetic underwear made with polyester or rayon. In some cases, the reaction is the result of an allergy to a sexual partner’s sperm. This kind of reaction usually begins soon after introducing the irritant and often clears up once the source is identified and its use is discontinued.

A vaginal allergic reaction usually presents as itching, burning, and redness with swelling. Discharge is not present as often as in cases of infection. Many cases are caused by perfumes, dyes, and other ingredients in soaps and cleansers. Laundry detergent, lubricants, and medications are additional sources. Personal hygiene products like toilet paper, tampons, and sanitary napkins can also trigger an allergic reaction in the vaginal area.

A vaginal allergic reaction can cause itching, burning, and general discomfort.
A vaginal allergic reaction can cause itching, burning, and general discomfort.

If this type of reaction is suspected, most patients have to undergo a process of elimination to determine the source. Choosing unscented and hypoallergenic toilet paper and other personal hygiene products like tampons and sanitary napkins can help narrow possibilities. Women who suspect a vaginal allergic reaction should consider wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon.

Perfumes may cause a woman to have a vaginal allergic reaction.
Perfumes may cause a woman to have a vaginal allergic reaction.

A reaction can also be triggered by a perfume or other ingredient in a soap or shower gel. It is not necessary to wash the vaginal area with soap or gel, but women who do not feel clean otherwise can consider switching to mild, unscented hypoallergenic products. Rinsing well can also help prevent a reaction. If symptoms persist, a steroid cream or antihistamine may be prescribed by a doctor.

Certain types of laundry detergent may trigger a vaginal allergic reaction.
Certain types of laundry detergent may trigger a vaginal allergic reaction.

An additional trigger can be another person’s protein. Women can be allergic to their sexual partners’ semen because semen consists of sperm and fluid that contains proteins. The fluid can cause a reaction, usually within half an hour of intercourse. The signs include vaginal redness, itching, and burning. Blistering, pain, and swelling can also occur.

There are a few reasons why a woman may have a vaginal allergic reaction from sex, including reacting to a condom or to her partner's semen.
There are a few reasons why a woman may have a vaginal allergic reaction from sex, including reacting to a condom or to her partner's semen.

A diagnosis of this type of allergy is usually made by using a condom during intercourse. If no reaction occurs after condom use, semen is the likely culprit. Another diagnostic method involves exposing the woman’s skin to her partner’s seminal fluid and gauging the reaction. A specific food can pre-sensitize a woman to seminal fluid proteins, and therefore an allergic reaction to semen can occur from the first intercourse.

Tampons can trigger an allergic reaction in the vaginal area.
Tampons can trigger an allergic reaction in the vaginal area.

In rare cases, an allergic reaction to semen can be severe, resulting in hives and angioedema. The itching can be intense, and the woman may experience difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. Like any severe allergic reaction, a severe vaginal allergic reaction can be life threatening.

An individual’s symptoms may be caused by an infection rather than a vaginal allergic reaction. If eliminating the supposed irritant does not resolve the irritation, other possibilities should be considered. Infections like yeast grow in damp areas; women should gently pat their vaginal areas dry before putting on underwear. Wiping from front to back after using the toilet can keep bacteria away from the vagina, while not douching will help maintain the vagina’s normal bacteria balance.

Scented sanitary napkins can cause a vaginal allergic reaction.
Scented sanitary napkins can cause a vaginal allergic reaction.

Certain additional symptoms occurring with vaginal irritation can be signs of a more serious condition. Fever, spotting with intercourse, and pain in the pelvic area or with sex can all be cause for concern. A woman who develops any of these signs should be evaluated by her physician as soon as possible.

Discussion Comments

anon951798

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This information is from my own readings.

What this article doesn't tell you is that inflammation (such as from an allergic reaction or sensitivity or excessive sugar/carbs) will cause permanent fibrosis of human tissue. That means your skin cells will be destroyed and replaced with fibrous scar tissue, permanently, thus, causing a rougher texture and duller, more 'plastic' (and ultimately cracked/wrinkled) appearance.

Also, corticosteroids (the active ingredient in steroid creams, brown inhalers, some eczema creams) cause permanent thinning and aging of the tissue they come into contact with, and increased susceptibility of future inflammation. Despite what some pharmacists and doctors have told me, this damage also accumulates.

Inflammation and corticosteroids are permanent uglifiers and can ultimately be lethal. Steer well away from both of them because the technology to undo their damage is not yet available. If something is irritating your body, ditch it immediately because it's done enough damage already. Shower with cool water. Drink enough water, eat lots of different vegetables, some fruit and some fish, and be gentle to your skin.

anon260683

I have purchased pants from Dillards which I washed five times in cold water before wearing. Then, when I wear them the color comes off on my underwear and I start becoming very uncomfortable in my female area and it hurts.

What can I do about this problem? I have pants purchased three years ago that are the same and made out of the same fabric that give me no problem. The only difference is the old pants were made in Canada.

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    • A vaginal allergic reaction can cause itching, burning, and general discomfort.
      By: anetlanda
      A vaginal allergic reaction can cause itching, burning, and general discomfort.
    • Perfumes may cause a woman to have a vaginal allergic reaction.
      By: Marzky Ragsac Jr.
      Perfumes may cause a woman to have a vaginal allergic reaction.
    • Certain types of laundry detergent may trigger a vaginal allergic reaction.
      By: elena korn
      Certain types of laundry detergent may trigger a vaginal allergic reaction.
    • There are a few reasons why a woman may have a vaginal allergic reaction from sex, including reacting to a condom or to her partner's semen.
      By: mast3r
      There are a few reasons why a woman may have a vaginal allergic reaction from sex, including reacting to a condom or to her partner's semen.
    • Tampons can trigger an allergic reaction in the vaginal area.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Tampons can trigger an allergic reaction in the vaginal area.
    • Scented sanitary napkins can cause a vaginal allergic reaction.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Scented sanitary napkins can cause a vaginal allergic reaction.
    • Using scented toilet paper could cause an allergic reaction.
      By: Ruggiero Scardigno
      Using scented toilet paper could cause an allergic reaction.