Antisperm Antibodies - Immunological Factor Infertility

The Role of the Immune System in Fertility

The immune system is critical to the function of virtually every one of the body's operating systems. Its job is to protect the body from foreign cells and bacteria, ensuring that infections and inflammations do not inhibit the proper function of the body. There are times, however, when the immune system fails due to some type of interference. Such is the situation with some cases of infertility. A couple may be facing an immune system dysfunction that is keeping them from conceiving.

The immune system plays a large part in fertility, such as in the preparation for ovulation and implantation when the body requires certain cells supplied by the immune system in order to complete the function. If the immune system is not working properly, fertility can definitely be affected, thus preventing pregnancy. About 20% of couples dealing with unexplained infertility are thought to be encountering immunological fertility issues as a result of immune system dysfunction.

Antisperm Antibodies - What Are They?

One immune factor that is involved in infertility is antisperm antibodies (ASA). When you see the word "anti" you know that it means "against". So, breaking the words down, we have antibodies (bodies that fight against) antisperm (against sperm). These cells interpret sperm as a foreign invader, like a germ, and their bodies make antibodies to attack the sperm. Antisperm antibodies can cause infertility by preventing the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. They also work within the male to prevent the production of viable sperm. When a man has antisperm antibodies, his sperm - when viewed under a microscope - is immobile and tends to be clumped together. When sperm motility is affected, the movement of the sperm is halted or slowed, making it more difficult for sperm to pass through cervical mucus.

A Number of Reasons for the Condition

The reason a man develops antisperm antibodies is not fully known. In normal situations the sperm are protected from the immune system by the blood-testes barrier, a protective lining designed to keep the sperm safe from the immune system, ensuring the immune system does not mix in with the sperm and kill them. In some cases, through injury or surgery, the barrier is interfered with and immune cells can come in contact with the sperm.

Although it sounds exotic, antisperm antibodies are considered to be quite common in a certain group of men. Of fertile men, only one percent has antisperm antibodies in their blood stream, but up to 10 percent of infertile men have them. Men who have undergone reproductive surgery have them as does 70 percent of men who have had a vasectomy reversal. Additionally, about five percent of women with unexplained infertility have antisperm antibodies, which in turn kill sperm before they ever get a chance to fertilize an egg.

There are some risk factors for antisperm antibodies that include varicocele (varicose vein in the penis), testicular torsion, and infections as well as vasectomy reversals. In situations such as these, the blood-testes barrier is compromised leading to growth of ASAs.

You Can Still Have A Baby - But You'll Need Help

The good news is that having antisperm antibodies does not preclude a couple from having a baby. There are different treatments available for both men and women with antisperm antibodies. Some people get a head start on their treatment through the use of steroids, which temporarily lower antibody levels and increase the odds of conception.

Another way to address the situation is with intrauterine insemination (IUI) combined with a drug to induce ovulation. IUI is less expensive than IVF and is also less complex. It make take more than one trip to the fertility center to accomplish the mission, but many couples dealing with antisperm antibodies have experienced successful conception - often multiples!