The onset is usually within 30 minutes of ejaculation.
Clinical findings may include some combination of:
(1) general flu-like symptoms
(2) headache
(3) allergy-type symptoms affecting the eyes
(4) allergy-type symptoms affecting the nose
(5) sore throat
(6) muscle aches
(7) exhaustion
(8) difficulty concentrating
The symptoms are transient but may last for several days.
The symptoms should occur with all or most ejaculations.
Patients with POIS may have a history of:
(1) atopy
(2) premature ejaculation
Theories for occurrence:
(1) autosensitivity to semen (supported by positive skin prick test to the patient's own diluted seminal fluid)
(2) cytokine release (should be supported by elevated plasma cytokine levels)
(3) variant of the Semen Loss Syndrome (Dhat, see Chapter 18)
Some patients may benefit from taking an NSAID before and for 2 days after intercourse.
