Many couples struggling with infertility have already visited numerous gynecological clinics and endocrinological labs. This journey can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Often, the labs focus only on sperm activity or the woman's hormone status. But: infertility can also be caused by sperm antibodies!
Sperm antibodies are immune defense proteins that can occur in both men and women. They are produced by the immune system and can prevent pregnancy altogether.
In women, sperm antibodies neutralize the man's sperm before
fertilization can occur. Most often, the sperm are blocked in the
cervical mucus and never reach the egg.
However, these antibodies can be detected in a blood test and
treated accordingly.
It may sound surprising, but men can also develop sperm antibodies.
Due to a malfunction of the immune system, the male body produces
antibodies against its own sperm, rendering them inactive. Sperm
motility and vitality can become severely limited—or even completely
blocked.
These antibodies can also be detected using the so-called MAR test.
Good news: sperm antibodies are generally treatable. Since the root
cause is immunological, the treatment must also be immunological. In
men, sperm antibodies can be neutralized effectively using
desensitization procedures, similar to how allergies are treated.
In women, a special antibody neutralization targeting specific
immune cells from the male partner is required. These autoimmune
desensitization therapies and immunotherapies have shown great
success.
At the Schleicher & Brückl practice, we always strive for a holistic fertility therapy approach. For example, detoxification or eliminating chronic infections may also be necessary.
Learn more on Dr. Schleicher-Brückl’s fertility blog!
September 23, 2020