A man who had an allergic reaction to his own orgasms is the subject of a new case study written by medical professionals. He was unable to seek romantic connections due to his unusual illness. However, the doctors successfully treated his condition using fexofenadine, an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine.

POIS

This syndrome is known as postorgasmic illness (POIS). Sufferers are often men. After ejaculating, they have flu-like symptoms such as weariness, itchy eyes, a stuffy or runny nose, and even memory issues. These symptoms manifest immediately following every orgasmic experience and can linger anywhere from two to seven days.

POIS is extremely uncommon, although various diseases and conditions might hinder a person's ability to have sexual relations.

Fewer than 1,000 persons in the United States have it, according to the estimates of the National Institutes of Health. 

In addition, the authors of this latest case study claim that there are fewer than 60 known occurrences of POIS in the medical literature; their work will appear in the November issue of Urology Case Reports.

The 27-Year-Old Man

Gizmodo confirmed that the report follows a 27-year-old man who had been healthy up until the onset of his symptoms at 18. He frequently broke out in hives down his forearms after having an orgasmic session, in addition to suffering from a flu-like condition. 

Over the years, he had visited various doctors, including an otolaryngologist, an infectious disease specialist, and multiple allergists, but none of their treatments had helped. He had already been abstaining from all forms of sexual activity and relationships for quite some time before he consulted these specialists.

Assumptions

Due to its rarity, the causes of POIS are poorly understood. However, it is thought to be a hypersensitive reaction to something in the ejaculate. For instance, skin prick tests employing the individual's semen as the allergen have been shown to be positive in the vast majority of patients with POIS. 

Since sperm cells only have half the genetic material of most other cells, it is possible that they are responsible for triggering this immunological response. 

However, there have been cases of POIS in infertile people. Thus, the real culprit is likely not the lack of sperm but rather another component of the semen.

According to the case study, the man has acute epididymitis. After recovering, he experienced the first POIS attack. Experts believe this disease caused a chain reaction that permanently sensitized his immune system to his semen.

Temporary Cure

Although there is currently no approved medication for POIS, doctors have been testing the effectiveness of an antihistamine in reducing the symptoms. 

They tried OTC fexofenadine daily after the initial medication failed. They also recommended he gradually increase his orgasms. 

The man resumed sexual activity after taking fexofenadine, which reduced symptoms by 90%.

The first antihistamine that was tried may not have worked since its peak effects wear off after a few hours, but fexofenadine is effective for a longer period of time and does not produce drowsiness. More research is needed to establish that this medicine can be a viable alternative for patients with POIS. But it is safe, affordable, and easy to take, so doctors are already recommending it.

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Written by Trisha Kae Andrada