Antisperm Antibodies and Male Infertility: Causes and Treatments

Male infertility is a medical condition experienced by numerous couples all over the world. Antisperm antibodies are among the reasons for male infertility. The body makes these antibodies as proteins that by error kill and destroy sperm cells. The condition can result in conception complications and might need a specialist physician. In this blog, we are focusing on antisperm antibodies causes and their effect on male fertility and treatment.

What are Antisperm Antibodies?

Antisperm antibodies refer to proteins that the immune system of the body creates. Antisperm antibodies identify sperm cells as harmful intruders. Antisperm antibodies may attach themselves to the sperm and clog them or render them ineffective. Consequently, the sperm will never get to fertilize an egg. The condition causes severe effects on male fertility.

Causes of Antisperm Antibodies

There are several reasons that antisperm antibodies are present. Some men develop a benign immune response to their sperm. Injury or trauma to the testicles can cause some men to produce these antibodies in certain instances. Male reproductive tract infections can cause the production of antisperm antibodies.

Certain procedures, such as vasectomy or testicular biopsy, are also harmful to the formation of antisperm antibodies. Besides, their formation can also be hereditary.

How Do Antisperm Antibodies Affect Male Fertility?

When antisperm antibodies are present, they can contribute to a range of fertility problems. One of the primary impacts is that they affect sperm motility. The sperm can become less energetic, and it becomes more difficult for them to travel towards the egg. This can reduce the chances of pregnancy.

Moreover, antisperm antibodies hinder the attachment and penetration of sperm into the egg, and fertilization becomes hard to take place. Antisperm antibodies agglutinate sperm as well, so nearly there is no possibility that these antibodies can ever have a chance to fertilize an egg.

Diagnosis of Antisperm Antibodies

If there is a couple with problems of infertility, it is always advisable to arrange for an individual to consult a specialist properly. A Male Infertility Specialist in India can use a blood test or semen analysis to check for antisperm antibodies. The blood test would be able to determine if the antibodies are present in the blood, and the semen analysis will show if they are present in the semen.

However, the occurrence of an antisperm antibody test can be demonstrated by way of an immunobead test. This will ascertain if the sperm has been targeted by the antibodies. The semen test is most probably going to be proven to show minimum sperm count or minimum sperm motility, and thus the likelihood of their presence. 

Treatment Options for Antisperm Antibodies

The treatment of antisperm antibodies varies with the severity of the condition and the general health of the patient. In some instances, the couple can conceive naturally after some form of treatment. However, in severe cases, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) could be the option required.

Medical Treatment

There are some medical treatments that have been used to minimize the formation of antisperm antibodies. Corticosteroid medications like prednisone are used to dampen the immune system. The medication lowers the antibodies in the body and enhances the motility of sperm as well. The drugs do not always succeed and have side effects.

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Intrauterine insemination is the process of inserting sperm directly into the woman’s uterus during ovulation. Therefore, it can be a viable procedure when there are antisperm antibodies since it does not require passing the sperm through the cervix and fallopian tubes.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):  IVF is a technology-based reproductive method where eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the human body. IVF can be advised in men with high antisperm antibody titers. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can sometimes be employed, where one sperm is placed inside an egg to be fertilized.
• Surgical Solutions: In the event of blockage or trauma of the reproductive tract, leading to antisperm antibodies, surgery may be an option. A condition like a reversal of vasectomy will reverse sterility. TESE is suitable for men with severe antisperm antibody problems.

Consulting an Expert

If you have male infertility issues and are confident that antisperm antibodies are to blame, then professional assistance is needed. Visiting the Best Andrologist in Salem or the Best sexologist in Namakkal will lead you to the best treatment course for your ailment. These specialists can provide the correct diagnosis and a tailored treatment course based on your condition.

For individuals in Tamilnadu, a Sexual Health Information clinic in Tamilnadu can provide them with information and resources for dealing with male infertility. These clinics provide individuals experiencing fertility issues advice and counseling. 

Conclusion

Antisperm antibodies are primarily responsible for causing male infertility. They can cause sperm motility, binding, and fertility impaired. But these are treatable conditions. However, in the majority of cases, the couple is fertile through treatments like medical treatments, fertility therapy, or surgeriesTherefore, it makes sense to consult a Male Infertility Specialist in India if you find antisperm antibodies are the cause of the inability to conceive. With the right treatment regimen, male infertility can be overcome accordingly.

If you are having fertility issues, do not hesitate to see a fertility expert who will guide you through this.