OVERVIEW
What is an Antisperm Antibody (serum) lab test?
As the name suggests, antisperm antibodies lab test is the one which looks for proteins (antibodies) which fights against a man’s sperm in blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. The semen can trigger immune system response in either the man’s or woman’s body. These antibodies can damage or kill the sperm, and when released in high concentration, they make it hard for the sperm to fertilize egg. Therefore, the couple may have hard time conceiving the baby (immunologic infertility).
Why is Antisperm Antibody (serum) lab test done?
This test is done:
- If the cause of infertility is not found
- The results from other fertility tests are not clear enough
The chances of antisperm antibodies production in the body arises in conditions like:
- Prostate infection
- Injury to the testicles (male reproductive organ)
- Testicle surgery like in vasectomy
- In women, it happens if they develop an allergic reaction to semen & woman’s vagina kills the sperm
- Testicular cancer
- Is it possible to conceive with Antisperm Antibodies?
They aren’t very common, however, both men and women can make them. They make harder for the couple to become pregnant & conceive.
- Do sperm antibodies go away after some time?
Yes, mostly they disappear after vasectomy procedure in men. But In case they don’t, it indicates that there is a continued leakage of sperm out of vas or reason for failure to have a pregnancy.
- Do antibodies cause infertility?
It has been strongly believed that humans and other species go towards infertility when their antibodies bind to sperm antigens. This is known by a term of immunological infertility
- Do woman bodies reject man’s sperm?
It is seen that if sperm fails to “communicate” with female reproductive tract even while the man appears to be fertile, chances are that his semen will be rejected by a woman if its not compatible with her.
- What can help if you wish to conceive fast?
You may first start by recording your menstrual cycle frequency, monitor ovulation period (release of an egg from ovary), have sex every day during fertile window, have healthy body weight, eat healthy food, & cut on energetic workouts.
Mostly the results come within 24 to 36 hours.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
- “Normal” antisperm antibody range: 00 to 60 U/ml
- “Elevated values” of antisperm antibody range: above 60 U/ml
This test is ordered when couples face fertility issues & woman are unable to conceive. This test basically helps diagnose the cause of infertility i.e. whether it is due to immunologic infertility.