Dear MKE SEX,
Have you ever heard of being allergic to your partner’s jizz? For years, my guy pulled out so I wouldn’t get pregnant. Now that I have a copper IUD, I told him he didn’t have to anymore. And it has made my vag unhappy. I seriously thought I was allergic to the copper in my IUD, or maybe even had an STI, because I had itchy yeast or BV [bacterial vaginosis] symptoms. Then I had my period for eight days, and we didn’t have sex the whole time (actually we still haven’t since then) and ALL the symptoms have gone away. I think I’m allergic to his cum! So even though I’m using a form of birth control that is more than 99 percent effective, I’m making him pull out from now ’til forever.
Thanks,
Itchy Bits
Dear Bits,
First things first—it’s not very likely that you’re allergic to his semen. It’s possible (some people are allergic to their own sweat after all), but it’s highly unlikely. It’s far more likely that you developed a yeast infection or BV (or both—lucky you!) from the IUD and/or the additional wetness in your vag. Copper IUDs are really great birth control, but they definitely have the ability to change the microbiome of the reproductive tract. The same is true for having semen in your vagina when your body isn’t used to it. As time passes, your microbiome will likely adjust to both the IUD and the jizz. (But keep pulling out if it works for you.)
In this case, it definitely sounds like your period rescued you. (See, menstruation can be good for something!) Bleeding for eight days likely cleaned you all out and restored balance, and gave you a break from the frequent deposits of bodily fluids. It’s pretty common to have minor cases of yeast and BV resolve during a menstrual cycle due to the change in pH that happens during menstruation.
Based on your description, a yeast infection is the most likely culprit. Of course, my guess is in no way diagnostic. It’s also possible that it was BV, though you probably would have noticed an odor that wasn’t typical for you. A “fishy” or unpleasant smell is the hallmark of BV. It’s great that it cleared up with your period. But if it comes back, it’s probably a good idea to see your healthcare provider. While yeast and BV can be treated with topical medications, it’s possible to pass them back and forth from one partner to the other. And if there’s a chance that you or your guy have had sex with other people, you’ll want to be tested for STIs to be safe.
Curious about cunnilingus? Anxious about anal? Do you have questions about queefs or problems with your prostate? Lucky Tomaszek is the education coordinator at The Tool Shed: An Erotic Boutique, Milwaukee’s only mission-driven, education-focused sex toy store. Send her an email at [email protected] and she’ll get back to you with an answer.