Vaginal Infection or Allergy to Semen?

[JLDB1382]

Last week, my boyfriend and I had sex. We used condoms and the withdrawal method. Not having showered 24 hours later, I noticed a pungent smell that lasted a day and then went away.

We had intercourse again (4 hours in 1 night) last Weds./Thurs. I used the Today Sponge. I experienced vaginal dryness (which never normally happens), and we had to use a warming lube. He ejaculated inside of me and later experienced pain with urination. He also got raw, red, and dry skin near the base of his penis. (He shaved the day before.) 8 hours after we first had sex, I felt a burning dryness that got worse the next day. I took the sponge out (within the right amount of time), which had a *nasty,* fishy smell to it. Taking the sponge out helped a bit with the pain, but afterwards, I experienced an excessive amount of yellowish-brown (and watery) discharge that later turned a creamy grayish-brown at times. It didn't smell as fishy, but it was spotted with blood. Sex after I took the sponge out was impossible b/c of pain. On Thurs., I was diagnosed with a yeast infection and a UTI (I've had pain after wiping for months). Since, I've used the cream, but I still don't feel up to par down there. Though it doesn't hurt or smell nearly as bad anymore, I am still having abnormal discharge and slight itchiness around the vaginal lips.

Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this? I seriously hope I am not allergic to semen. (Allergies have never really been a problem with me.) Could this be a run-of-the-mill vaginal infection?  

I hope to get feedback.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[fablady]

The warming lube can also cause issues -- try lube with out fragrance, have him withdraw, and perhaps try condoms with out spermicide, avoid perfumed soaf - and fabric softner liquid - or scented laurdry detergent all of this have cause me major issues. -- all of this things can irritate that area.

[learner83]

Jennifer,

How did this turn out for you? I practically have an identical situation but my yeast meds were given by the doc. She didn't seem too interested and said she was treating me for yeast symptoms even though my tests showed I didn't have it (or any std). She said if symptoms stayed she'd refer me to a obgyn (she's family practice).

[JLDB1382]

maryheather and monkeyflower,

I agree. When I visited my doctor, I was slightly surprised he thought I had a yeast infection.  He didn't even examine me, actually.  But from the research I've done on the Internet, BV seems far more likely.

I have an appointment with a nurse practitioner at my gynocologist's office this Friday. Hopefully, I'll be back to normal after my visit.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JLDB1382]

my time,

Apparently, the Today Sponge came back on the U.S. market in September of 2005.  I suspect I had a preexisting vaginal infection that was made worse by using the sponge.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[monkeyflower]

I'm with maryheather. The fishy smell and discharge you describe do NOT sound like yeast, but bacterial vaginosis (BV). I think I'd go back to your doctor and ask to be checked for BV. The medication is totally different, and yeast medication certainly won't help :-)

[JLDB1382]

AnnJ,

Birth control pills aren't really a good option for us.  I don't like the side-effects.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[xrayu2]

He should be treated for yeast too otherwise you will pass it back and forth.

[maryheather]

You should visit your doc, because a bacterial infection can oftentimes have no symptoms, however women usually notice some discharge--The fact that you've used OTC yeast meds with no relief leads me to believe that you should visit your doc.  As the first response said, you can get a one-time pill of diflucan and if it is yeast, it should take care of it.  But, again, only the doc can tell for sure if it is yeast.  If its bacterial, you need a medication that only a doc can give you. There is a cream insert that my doc has samples of called Clindesse that really works for me.  Also, it is correct that you and your partner could be passing the infection back and forth.  Has happened before!!
To Corykis okay--it is not common, but absolutely possible for a woman to react negatively with a man's semen.  I don't have the numbers for the frequency of such a response, but it definitely has happened.
Regardless, I think your symptoms warrant a visit to your doc.  Good luck..MH

[my time]

I used the sponge a number of years ago, I did not realize they still sold them. I experienced some of the same discharge symptoms, and had yeast infection. I recommend not using it anymore, also I think your boyfriend could be allergic to the sponge or have a yeast infection also. It may be helpful to consult with a physician to find the right method for the two of you. I think it is unlikely you are allergic to semen.

[AnnJ]

Maybe you should go on the pill, or some other non-barrier type of BC.

[JLDB1382]

Jah02e,

If you don't mind me asking, what did your latex/lubricant allergies feel like?  I mean, what were your symptoms?  The reason I ask is because we used a lubricant, too, and maybe that was the irritant.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JLDB1382]

Well, we didn't use condoms this week, and when we used one the week before, my problem wasn't nearly as bad. Condoms aren't fun, and that's why we ended up using the Today Sponge.

Apparently, semen allergies are quite rare, but I still worry. More than likely, it was something in the sponge. I'll probably make an appointment with my gyno this week.

Thanks for your feedback. :)

[corykis okay]

I have never heard of anyone being allergic to semen.. Could be anything the condom, the sponge used, any creams, jellies used
If your doctor diagnosed you with and yeast infection and a UTI
and it still isnt gone I would go back and get checked again
I would also abstain from having sexual intercourse until all is well!

[Jah02e]

Also I forgot to mention...could you be allergic to latex?  I was unable to use condoms.  They made me miserable.  I am also unable to use stuff like KY jelly cause it irritates my skin.  You may be allergic to the condom or stuff that is lubricated on the condom.

[Jah02e]

You may want to try Diflucan...doctors visit required.  I could never use the creams they just made me worse.  It sounds like you still have some sort of infection.  It the cream worked correctly then you shouldn't be hurting anymore.  Try eating some yogurt.  HTH!