TITLE:
The Presence of Antisperm Antibodies in Semen of Subfertile Men—Positive ASA in Subfertile Men
AUTHORS:
Kim Kamphorst, Joyce Faber, Paul Jan Quirien van der Linden
KEYWORDS:
Retrospective, Antisperm Antibodies, Infertility, IgG, IgA
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.11 No.2,
February
25,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background: In more than 50% of male subfertility, the
aetiology remains unknown. Antisperm antibodies (ASA) might be involved,
however the exact role of ASA in unexplained male subfertility is not clear,
yet. Objective: The aim of this study
was to examine 1) the prevalence of ASA in subfertile men, 2) the possible
causes of the presence of ASA, and 3) the influence of ASA on sperm parameters
and fertilization including assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and
pregnancy outcomes. Study Design, Size, Duration: In this retrospective single center study, all men with
semen analyses between January 2003 and December 2017 were included as well as
all subfertile couples getting treatment if at least one sperm analysis showed
a spermMar test ≥50%. Methods: Collected
parameters were: intoxications, medication and professions that could have an
adverse effect on fertility, sperm parameters, the type and amount of ART, mode
of conception, pregnancy rates and outcomes. Results: 3098 semen
analyses were performed. In total, 233 ASA positive men were observed,
including 175 subfertile couples with an ASA positive man in the additional
analyses. The prevalence of ASA in the subfertile population was 8.2%. The
presence of ASA was significantly associated with the presence of
oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), asthenoteratozoospermia and
asthenozoospermia (p = 0.008, p = 0.004, and p = 0.02 respectively). However,
50% of the couples with an ASA positive man became pregnant without ART. Conclusions: The presence of ASA did not
seem to have a negative effect on spontaneously pregnancy rates or pregnancy
rates after ART. Therefore, it might be justified to advice 6 - 12 months
expectant management, before starting ART in ASA positive men.