A 23-year-old woman presents to your office with the complaint of a red splotchy rash on her chest that occurs during intercourse. It is nonpuritic and painless. She states that it usually resolves within a few minutes to a few hours after intercourse.
Which of the following is the most likely cause of the rash?
A. Allergic reaction to her partner’s pheromonesThe response of women to sexual stimulation is generalized and affects many different organ systems. During the excitement or seduction phase, vasocongestion leads to breast engorgement and possibly the development of a rash on the breasts, chest, and epigastric area, which is called the “sex flush.” Heart rate and blood pressure also increase during this phase. Vasocongestion also occurs in the clitoris, labia, and vagina, and a transudative lubricant develops in the vagina. The plateau phase is marked by greater vasocongestion throughout the body and retraction of the clitoris. During the orgasmic phase, the sexual tension is released via muscular contractions throughout the body, but notably in the vagina, anus, and uterus. Changes in hormones such as estrogen are not part of the sexual response.