Sperm are 'foreign' to the body that produces them,
because they contain only half the normal number of chromosomes. The sperm
or sperm products, which come into contact with blood are therefore able to
initiate an immune reaction to the production of anti-sperm. Therefore,
spermatogenesis usually occurs after an "immune barrier" in the testicles.
But in some males, sperm or sperm components pass through the barrier and
stimulate the production of antibodies. Antibodies can then enter the
seminal fluid and 'attack' sperm. by observation under a microscope, it was
found that antisperm antibodies cause agglutination of sperm and seriously
reduce motility, thus causing infertility Once the immune system has been
sensitized by the sperm, it is extremely difficult to reverse. However, the
use of high doses of corticosteroids, the amount of antibodies can be
reduced and fertility temporarily restored.
It was observed that these immune factors are present in up to 40% of
couples with unexplained infertility, and 10% of cases of unexplained male
infertility.
Infertility can occur in a couple if the woman's cervical mucus to create a
hostile environment, producing antibodies against the sperm of her partner.
More often, the problem is due to the male partner that produces antibodies
against their own sperm.
The circulating antibodies against the sperm are present in most men who
underwent vasectomy, and after the reversal procedure these antibodies often
appear in the seminal plasma.
Unilateral or bilateral obstruction of the genital tract (either congenital
or acquired), epididymitis and varicocele are also sometimes associated with
an autoimmune response against sperm.
