(NY DAILY) As well as love, trust and laughter, physical intimacy is a vital factor in any relationship. But one woman who suffers from a rare illness that left her with unbearable pain after sex was forced go without, and had to end her marriage as a result. And now she’s sharing her painful tale to help others.
Leonie Blackwell, 50, suffered from Human Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity, which caused burning, swelling, pain and irritation during sexual intercourse.
Speaking about the first time she experienced the agony, the Australian told MailOnline: ‘It began when I was 23 years old. I had no idea what was causing such pain, swelling and burning.’
Sharing her tale: Leonie Blackwell, 50, discovered that she was allergic to semen when she was 23 years old and has penned a novel to share her tale
She continued: ‘I still remember the first day it happened – and 27 years have passed. I really needed a doctor to give me answers and when they couldn’t, it compounded the experience. It was confusing but it was also terrifying.
‘Back then very little was known about it and it took me five medical professionals, including three gynaecologists, and two and a half years before I found someone who could tell me what was wrong with me.’
Initially it caused cervical dysplasia, and Leonie noticed cells shedding. While this was treated the pain and swelling continued, but no one could explain why.
‘I went on in search of answers. Sadly when none were forthcoming I was told it was in my head. By this time the pain was getting worse as was the swelling and burning. I was living in constant pain. I knew it was real I just needed a medical doctor to confirm it. I decided to investigate it myself.’
While scouring every gynecological book she could get my hands on, Leonie found a couple of sentences that talked about reactions to semen.
‘It was like a light bulb went on, and it enabled me to break down in my mind the reaction I was having instead of being lost in the pain. I realised that was it. Now I had to find someone who would believe me and help me,’ she said.
