New words of advice from the IPC: Best to know before you go or in this case, get it on (if you know what we mean)! Sorry to tell you, but some potentially toxic/harmful substances can be transmitted via intimate, physical contact as well as by exposure to bodily fluids. The good news…here’s your chance to learn about some of the strangest, true cases that might help prevent you and/or your partner(s) from experiencing similar unexpected and unwelcomed outcomes:
- A man had developed significant peeling and shredding of the skin on his groin after making love with his wife. Several weeks prior to the husband’s skin issue, the wife had been exposed, and subsequently hospitalized for, ciguatera fish poisoning . Ciguatera poisoning can occur after eating contaminated barracuda, red snapper and grouper. Symptoms of ciguatera poisoning include numbness, tingling and itching all over, light sensitivity and strangest of all–the reversal of hot/cold sensations (i.e. ice cube feels hot). Not the ideal end to a romantic interlude, for sure!
Poisonings can also occur with simple skin-to-skin transfer of drugs or substances from one partner directly to the other. For example:
- A woman called about her boyfriend. The woman had a Brazilian wax at a salon where they had used a numbing cream on the area. Later, her boyfriend complained about numb lips, mouth and tongue. He was concerned that he may have ingested some of the numbing cream.
- Dermal nitroglycerin cream can also be transferred to a partner. This medication works by dilating blood vessels and one of its side effects is a headache (for anyone who comes in contact with the cream). Quite an ironic example, don’t you think?
- A couple went camping, and after “answering the call of nature”, the wife unknowingly wiped herself with a poison oak leaf. Shortly thereafter, the couple was “inspired by the beauty of the woods” and the wife unwittingly transferred the poison oak from her genital region to her partner’s.
- A woman developed significant hirsutism (excessive, abnormal growth of hair in strange places). Turns out her husband was using a testosterone gel medication which had been transferred to her during their “whoopee” sessions.
- A woman developed vaginitis and was put on topical corticosteroids by her doctor for that condition. She continued to have intercourse with her husband. Turns out, he had a fungal infection, and that was what caused HER symptoms. Ironically, the steroids from her were making his fungal infection worse, which in turn, made her rash worse!
Lastly, and in all seriousness, certain types of medications can also concentrate in the reproductive fluids of humans (ex: hormones, steroids and antibiotics) including some very common ones like penicillins, cephalosporins, and sulfas. There are a lot of people with significant allergies to those antibiotics. It could be a serious risk for someone with life-threatening anaphylaxis to an antibiotic to have unprotected sex with a partner who is taking that particular antibiotic.
We know this is a very “touchy” subject and hope we haven’t totally freaked you out. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! If something happens, you can call the IPC’s free, confidential, expert helpline at 800-222-1222 (tip: save this # to your phone right now!). The call center specialists are available 24/7/365. No question or issue is too big or too small (or too embarrassing), just call!
P.S. The IPC has a variety of free resources for you to share with your family, friends and community (including this blog):
- Complimentary Safety Packet (available in English and Spanish; includes sticker, magnet and first aid tips)
- “My Child Ate…” (online resource in both English and Spanish)
- Poison Prevention Education Course and Resources (available in both English and Spanish)
- Free Continuing Education Credit (CEC) (available for Illinois nursing, EMS, childcare and Early Intervention professionals)
