Anti sperm antibodies are produced by an immune system in the human body that has special defense functions. Under normal circumstances, the lymphatic system has the ability to distinguish between its own tissues and foreign objects; In addition, there are some tissues that cannot be recognized by the immune system, such as sperm antigens. Sperm antigens occur later than the immune tolerance period. Normally, sperm are isolated from the blood circulation. Once the reproductive tract is damaged or inflamed, sperm and blood circulation will encounter each other, leading to an immune response and the production of anti sperm antibodies.
A large amount of clinical data has found that 5% to 10% of infertile men have sperm agglutination antibodies and sperm immobilization antibodies in their blood and semen. When blood and semen containing anti sperm antibodies are mixed with normal sperm, agglutination occurs, causing the sperm to stop moving and leading to infertility. Specific manifestations include varicocele, genital inflammation, and vas deferens obstruction.
Anti sperm antibodies not only appear in males, but also in females. Generally, women do not produce anti sperm antibodies in their bodies. However, if inflammation and damage occur in the female reproductive tract, antibodies can also be produced in the serum and cervical mucus, hindering fertilization.
Anti sperm antibodies do not necessarily mean lifelong infertility. To conceive a baby, some measures need to be taken. After discovering positive anti sperm antibodies, the first thing to do is to avoid antigen stimulation. Within six months, local isolation with condoms, or interruption of sexual intercourse or external ejaculation method should be used for contraception to avoid contact between sperm and the female reproductive tract, and to avoid stimulating the continuous production of anti sperm antibodies in the female body.
