An Immune Reaction Unlike Any Other
The development of antisperm antibodies (ASA) is perhaps the most peculiar reason for infertility. The body has a complex immune system that attacks viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. Sometimes, the immune system can attack healthy cells or parts of the body. Antisperm antibodies mistakenly attack, damage, or kill sperm, making conceiving difficult. While uncommon, ASA can affect family planning and even lead to infertility. Treating this condition requires addressing the immune response or using assisted reproductive technology (ART) as a possible workaround.
How antisperm antibodies affect fertility
Both men and women can develop ASA. Men may possess ASA that damages sperm in the testicles. Previous infection or testicular surgery can cause sperm to come in contact with blood, triggering the immune response. The antibodies can impact the head or tail of the sperm, leading to poor motility or damaged sperm. Excessive damage can also lower sperm count. Sometimes, the sperm can move but can no longer fertilize the egg. Women can also possess ASA in the blood or cervix, causing an allergic reaction. These antibodies can cause infertility even if the condition only impacts a single partner.
Your diagnosis and treatment plan
A fertility clinic can perform tests to confirm if there is an immune response. A blood test can reveal if a man or woman has an unwanted reaction. A laboratory can also directly test sperm from a sample provided by the man. For women, sometimes the issue originates in the cervix. A test may reveal cervical mucus hostility or the presence of antisperm antibodies. Treatment may involve antibiotics or other medications to improve the immune system’s response to sperm. If there is no improvement, intrauterine insemination (IUI) can help. A prepared sperm sample is placed directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervical area.
It’s time to consider ART
While IUI can help, multiple cycles are often required before a couple gets pregnant. When IUI fails, however, other forms of assisted reproductive technology can help. In vitro fertilization (IVF) consists of creating embryos in a fertility laboratory using egg and sperm samples. Eggs are harvested directly from the ovaries after the patient takes specific hormone medication that helps produce multiple follicles. IVF can bypass any potential ASA affecting fertility. Techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) take treatment a step further. A single sperm is used to fertilize an egg. Therefore, the fertility clinic can find healthy sperm in a sample potentially affected by antisperm antibodies. The medical team will determine the combination of ART for the best results.
Don’t let these antibodies take over
Infertility continues to affect at least 11% of American adults of reproductive age. Most reasons are easily identifiable, but antisperm antibodies are rare and can often go undetected. A fertility clinic can perform the appropriate tests, revealing a possible negative immune response. Treating the condition with medication can help, along with positive lifestyle changes, which can improve immune health. Some cases can benefit from IVF or ICSI based on the severity of ASA, age, current health, and other fertility challenges. Cryopreservation of remaining embryos can help with future attempts at parenthood. Antisperm antibodies can impact fertility, but this does not mean the end for any fertility planning efforts.
