She Strengthens

Navigating Love and Allergies: Expert Advice for Safe Intimacy

As someone who’s no stranger to allergies, I know firsthand how complicated they can make everyday life. From carrying an EpiPen to avoiding certain foods, it’s a constant balancing act. But what about when it comes to dating and intimacy? How do you navigate the risks associated with kissing someone who’s recently eaten something you’re allergic to?

The Risks of Kissing with Allergies

According to Dr. David Stukus, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the risks of kissing someone who’s recently eaten something you’re allergic to are real, but they vary depending on the type of allergy and the timing of exposure. For those with IgE-mediated immediate onset food allergies, the risk is higher if their partner has eaten the allergen within 1-2 hours of kissing. However, brushing teeth and rinsing with mouthwash can help remove peanut protein from saliva, reducing the risk.

Mitigating the Risks

So, what can you do to mitigate these risks? Dr. Stukus recommends that the person without a food allergy eat a non-allergen-containing meal or snack sometime after they last ate the food allergen, and ideally not eat the allergen within a few hours of kissing. This can help reduce the risk of transmitting allergens through kissing.

Other Aspects of Intimacy

But what about other aspects of intimacy, like oral sex or skin-to-skin contact? Dr. Stukus notes that there are very rare case reports of food allergens being transmitted during sexual intercourse, but this is not a realistic risk for most people to worry about. However, anyone engaging in oral sex should follow the same advice for kissing, and skin-to-skin contact can be minimized by washing hands before engaging in intimacy.

Talking to Partners about Allergies

So, how do you talk to your partners about these things? Dr. Stukus recommends making it a part of the conversation early in the relationship. It may take some practice feeling comfortable talking about it, but it can actually increase the personal connection with someone else. He suggests saying something like: “I am allergic to xxx food and need to make sure I don’t accidentally eat it. If I do, I could have hives, itching, or even difficulty breathing. I’ve been pretty good at avoiding it, but need to make sure I always read labels and discuss with waitstaff at restaurants. I also need to always carry my epinephrine autoinjector just in case I accidentally eat something I’m allergic to and it makes me sick. Would you like for me to show you how to use it?”

Empowerment through Communication

By being open and honest about your allergies, you can develop confidence and navigate the world without excessive fear. Remember, communication is key to safe and healthy intimacy. With practice, preparation, and communication, anyone can develop the confidence to navigate love and allergies.