Reduction of allergic skin weal responses by sexual intercourse in allergic patients

Abstract

Effect of sexual intercourse on allergen- and histamine-induced skin weal responses was studied. In normal subjects, house dust mite or Japanese cedar pollen allergen did not induce skin weal responses, while histamine induced skin weal responses. In contrast, in patients with allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, who were allergic to Japanese cedar pollen and house dust mite, these allergens as well as histamine induced skin weal responses. Sexual intercourse had no effect on skin weal responses induced by histamine in normal subjects. In contrast, sexual intercourse significantly reduced skin weal responses induced by Japanese cedar pollen or house dust mite, while it did not reduce skin weal responses induced by histamine in allergic patients. This is the first report that sexual intercourse reduces specifically allergen-induced responses in allergic patients. These finding may have some implications for the pathophysiological effect of sexual intercourse on allergic diseases.

Keywords:

• sexual intercourse
• skin weal responses
• allergen
• histamine
• allergic rhinitis
• atopic dermatitis