A: It is possible for a woman to be allergic to the proteins in a man's semen. The first thing I would suggest to you is to have sex using a condom. If you don't have any reaction, then there's a good chance that you are allergic. Now, doctors can develop allergy shots, based on the man's semen, to desensitize you, but this is not very easy. Since he is just a boyfriend, rather than a husband, perhaps always using condoms might be the solution, at least for the time being. But certainly use condoms for a while to test whether this eliminates the reactions.

Q: I am severely shy, and I have moved to a new state where I don't know anyone. My last relationship ended more than a year and a half ago, and since then I have been my only partner. Not that I don't like masturbation, but I desperately need some human contact. I have tried to meet new people, but it ends up a mess. I have become very unhappy with myself since moving here, and I feel like a complete fish out of water. I don't seem to connect with anyone. I spend all my time either on the phone with geographically distant friends or on the computer. What can I do to feel more comfortable around people so I can maybe meet someone?

A: My suggestion to you is to lower your sights. For the moment, stop looking for a romantic/sexual partner, and instead try making some casual acquaintances. I assume you have a job, so try making some social connections at work. After a while, you can let these friends know that you'd like to meet someone for a closer relationship. But first, develop a circle of friends, as you did where you used to live, and you'll see that by taking these small steps, you'll find yourself a lot closer to finding a partner.

Q: I am a 44-year-old divorced female who has no sexual desire. I am not dating anyone. I was sexually abused by my dad and stepdad at the age of 13. Perhaps this is why I am sexually anorexic. Additionally, I was well aware at age 13 that my dad was sexually abusing my male friends. I have been in therapy for four years with a therapist who specializes in sexual abuse. She has gotten me connected with sad and angry feelings, but I'm stuck in the sexual arena. I can reach orgasm easily through masturbation, but I never climaxed in 15 years of marriage. Any suggestions? I don't want to be in therapy for the rest of my life. Any help would be appreciated.

A: It seems that you hadn't gone through all this therapy when you were married, so perhaps part of the problem is that the effects of the abuse were making it difficult for you to become sexually aroused with your husband. Since you can have orgasms from masturbation, I would assume that you could have orgasms with a partner. So, instead of assuming that you are a "sexual anorexic," as you put it, instead consider that you've made a lot of progress through therapy, and try to find someone who could become a sexual partner, and with this positive attitude, see what develops.