Semen:- part 3 – Sperm Antibody, Anti Sperm-antibody, Anti Spermatozoal antibody

Sample

1. This is done on the fresh semen of the patient and sample preferred by masturbation.
2. First, urinate and then clean and wash the penis before collecting the sample.
3. Keep the sample at body temperature if collected at home.
4. The sample cannot be collected by sexual intercourse because there will be contamination by vaginal secretion.
5. Take the blood of the male and female for serum preparation.
6. Collect cervical mucus from the female.

Purpose of the test (Indications)

1. This is a screening test for an infertile couple.
2. This detects antibodies against the spermatozoa.

Pathophysiology

1. Sperm antibodies are directed against the sperm antigen.
2. Antisperm antibodies are found in:
   1. Men with the blocked efferent duct.
   2. Men with a vasectomy show a 30 to 70% antibody.
3. Mechanism of antibody formation.
   1. Sperm from the blocked ducts gives rise to autoantibody formation as the immune system recognizes these as forgein.
      1. These antibodies are agglutinin or cytotoxic.
4. The antisperm antibody of IgA type is against the tail of sperm, and they inhibit the motility and decrease the penetration of cervical mucus.
5. Sperm antibody of IgG type blocks the sperm-ovum fusion.

6. A high titer of sperm antibodies is strong evidence of infertility.
7. Sperm antibodies are found in 20% of the female. Their presence in the female significance is not clear because some of these ladies may become pregnant.
8. In some studies :
   1. Women with primary infertility are 75% positive for sperm agglutinin antibodies.
   2. 11 to 15% of pregnant ladies show the same level of sperm antibodies.

Normal

• Negative.

Anti-sperm antibodies are seen in:

1. Blockage of testicular efferent ducts.
2. After the vasectomy, almost every male has an antisperm antibody. After the reversal of the vasectomy antisperm, the antibody disappears.
3. Infertility. This may be seen in both males and females.

Treatment

For to treat antisperm antibodies, the possibilities are:

1. Use of the condom.
2. Sperms are processed to remove the antibodies.
3. Immunosuppressive therapy can be given both in males and females.
4. Invitro fertilization (IVF) can be tried.

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