The immune system may play a role in fertility, as it will protect the body from diseases and make the reproductive system work properly. Even though they're not in the top causes of infertility, anti-sperm antibodies may prevent conception. Anti-sperm antibodies are an immune system dysfunction affecting mostly men.
Fertility and Immune System
The immune system has the main task of protecting the body from foreign cells and bacteria. However, the immune system is also involved in supporting conception. For example, during ovulation, the body uses certain immune system cells while during the implantation of the ovule, the body will also require inflammatory cells. The immune system may also produce certain cells and antibodies that can affect fertility. The anti-sperm antibodies are an example.
The Anti-sperm Antibodies
Anti-sperm antibodies are cells that will fight against the sperm and the formation of healthy sperm. There are not enough studies performed to prove that anti-sperm antibodies affect fertility, but it is very likely that these antibodies cause infertility in men. The anti-sperm antibodies attach to the sperm and will result in reduced motility, so the sperm may not even be able to travel and reach the egg. The anti-sperm antibodies may also affect the capacity of the sperm to clump together, resulting in the impossibility of the sperm to fertilize the ovule.
Causes of Anti-Sperm Antibodies
The causes of anti-sperm antibodies are not fully known. These antibodies damage the sperm in certain men, while in others they will not attack the sperm. Anti-sperm antibodies have been found in 10% of infertile men. The sperm has a protective lining which helps the sperm stay intact and unaffected by the immune system cells. However, the protective lining may be damaged due to different injuries, trauma or a reproductive system surgery (such as a vasectomy reversal) and this will make it possible for the immune cells to affect the sperm. Men that have had the following conditions may be more exposed to developing anti-sperm antibodies:
- Testicular tumors and biopsies of these tumors
- Vasectomy reversal
- Reproductive system infections
- Varicocele
- Testicular torsion
In rare cases, women may develop anti-sperm antibodies as well. These antibodies kill the sperm, not allowing it to fertilize the egg.
Detecting Anti-Sperm Antibodies
Anti-sperm antibodies may be detected through testing. Blood tests can reveal the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in women. Sperm testing must be performed for men that are suspected of having anti-sperm antibodies. The tests used on sperm include the immunobead assay or the mixed agglutination reaction test.
Anti-Sperm Antibodies Treatment
If the anti-sperm antibodies are present, there are a few drugs that may be administered to protect the sperm. Corticosteroids will inhibit the function of the immune system, increasing the chances of conceiving. However, corticosteroids shouldn't be administered for too long, as they may have serious side effects. Couples facing difficulties to conceive due to anti-sperm antibodies may consider intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.
