Anti Sperm Antibody
Anti Sperm Antibody
When the body becomes sensitized to sperm, anti-sperm antibodies are produced. These antibodies cause the immune system to attack the sperm cells and destroy it. Anti-sperm antibodies is of the following two types:
1. Anti-sperm agglutinating antibodies
2. Anti-sperm immobilizing antibodies
An anti-sperm antibody test measures for these anti-sperm antibodies that fight against a man’s sperm in the blood, vaginal fluid, and semen. The higher the levels of the anti sperm antibodies, the lower is the chance of egg getting fertilized by the sperm
Who should get tested?
An anti-sperm antibody test is recommended in individuals who has/have
Injured testicles
Prostate gland infection
Experience sperm agglutination (sperms stick together
Unexplained infertility
IVF (in-vitro fertilization) procedures
Test preparation
No special preparations are required to undergo anti-sperm antibody testing. There are two types of samples that can be used to look for anti-sperm antibodies in both men and women.
Blood (men and women) and semen (men).
1. Blood – Your healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm and collect a few mL of blood into a sterile test tube. It will usually take less than a few minutes.
Semen – Your healthcare provider will provide you with a sterile container in which you are advised to collect the semen sample. A semen sample is collected by masturbation. It should be free from contamination. Therefore, it is recommended to urinate and clean yourself first before collecting the sample
Interpretation of the Test Results
Interpretation of test results:
|
Reference range |
Interpretation |
|
0– 60 U/mL |
Normal |
|
>60 mL |
Elevated |
The higher the levels of anti-sperm antibodies in an individual, lower is the chance of sperm fertilizing the egg
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) of Antisperm antibody test?
The test results of antisperm antibody test are usually available within 36 – 48 hours after the sample collection. However, it could also take a little longer at times.
Are there any risks associated with antisperm antibody test?
No, there are no potential risks associated with antisperm antibody testing. Both sample collection procedures are safe and risk-free. However, all the blood tests come at an expense of negligible risks such as feeling a slight sting or a bruise at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Rarely, the site can become infected
How can antisperm antibodies affect the fertility of an individual?
In men, the antisperm antibodies will have a negative impact on sperm motility, quality, and count. This reduces the likelihood of sperm reaching its intended destination, i.e. fertilising an egg.
In women, the antisperm antibodies destroy the sperms as the body treats them as an allergen and starts producing antibodies against them, thereby destroying them
Can anti sperm antibodies go away?
No. The production of anti-sperm antibodies cannot be prevented so easily. One needs to work on various methods and treatments to prevent infertility in individuals such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Should I be fasting or take some precautions before giving different samples for the anti-sperm antibody test?
No. The anti-sperm antibody test is a simple blood test that does not require fasting. However, for semen collection, one is advised to not release his sperm for at least 2 days before taking the test.
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