My husband and I are newlyweds, and we cannot have sex without using a condom. We have tried several times to have unprotected sex, but his semen burns like fire to me. I get red, irritated and can't even go to the bathroom for hours! What can I do?

--K.D.

You certainly can be allergic to your husband's semen -- or, rather, his sperm. If you can have sex with a condom and do not experience any problems, but have symptoms like burning and irritation after unprotected sex, most likely you have a sperm allergy. For additional information please see my earlier column Pain after Sex.

Of course, infection is another possibility that should always be investigated through a visit to your doctor. In your case, it sounds as if you have appropriately followed up with your gynecologist and have ruled out infection as a source for the irritation.