Vaginal allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are never fun, and they are even more uncomfortable when they are in your vagina. Knowing the cause of your vaginal allergy will help in avoiding potential reactions.

Vaginal allergic reactions

The symptoms of an allergic reaction in your vagina are often itching, irritation, redness, and discharge. Although vaginal allergies aren't life-threatening, they can be annoying. These are common allergens that cause vaginal allergy reactions:

• Sperm

Many people are surprised to hear that you can be allergic to your partner's sperm, but it is possible because of a condition called seminal plasma hypersensitivity. If you suspect that you might have a sperm allergy, consult your doctor about getting a test to be sure. If you have a sperm allergy, don't worry. It doesn't mean your sex life is over. Instead, you can choose to have sex with condoms or receive injections from your doctor.

• Latex condoms

Since latex is made from the fluids of rubber trees, it can contain proteins that some people might have an allergic reaction to.

People who have allergic reactions to latex will show symptoms of itching or breaking out in hives or rashes after having sex with latex condoms. Luckily the percentage of people who have an allergy to latex is minimal at less than 1%. However, if you are one of the 1%, there are non-latex options available.

• Spermicide

Spermicide is a chemical that is designed to kill sperm. If you aren't allergic to latex but still show allergy symptoms after having sex with a condom, you might have an allergy to the spermicide on the condom. Spermicide contains several active compounds, including benzocaine and nonoxynol-9. Those active compounds can easily cause irritation and soreness in your vagina. If you suspect that you have an allergy to spermicide, use an alternative method.

• Feminine products with fragrances or deodorant

Your vagina doesn't need unique fragrances or deodorants to be healthy. These products can easily disrupt the delicate balance of your vagina. Fragrant or deodorant feminine products contain several ingredients that can irritate your vagina. It is possible to have a test done by an allergist to pinpoint the component that is causing you discomfort, but it is a good idea to skip those fragrant and deodorant feminine products anyway. A good rule of thumb is always to avoid artificial ingredients in your vaginal because they can easily create irritation or rashes.

• Chemical dyes

Products that contain chemical dyes should always be avoided since they can easily irritate the vagina. Unfortunately, many products that we use daily might contain chemical dyes without us even knowing it. Check your bubble baths, bath bombs, and toilet paper to ensure you aren't exposing yourself to chemical dyes. If you want to get your hands on chemical-free products, Couture Aesthetics has a great selection of natural and healthy products that contain no chemical dyes.

Sometimes allergic reactions are unavoidable. However, by looking carefully at product ingredients we use we can weed out what products will put us at a higher risk than others. Look for products that are natural, organic, dye and chemical-free.