Antisperm antibodies and in vitro fertilization.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive immunology
• In vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Spermatozoa immunology

Background:

• Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) can affect fertility by interfering with sperm function.
• The impact of ASAs on assisted reproductive technologies like IVF requires further investigation.
• Understanding ASA influence is crucial for optimizing IVF treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of male, female, or dual partner antisperm antibodies on IVF outcomes.
• To determine the correlation between ASA levels and fertilization rates in IVF.
• To compare IVF success in couples with and without ASAs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of IVF treatment outcomes in couples with varying ASA positivity (male, female, both).
• Assessment of fertilization rates in relation to ASA presence and titer.
• Comparison of fertilization rates between ASA-positive and ASA-negative groups, considering semen quality.

Main Results:

• Ongoing pregnancy rates were similar for male or female ASA-positive groups compared to antibody-negative groups.
• Two of three patients conceived in the double antibody-positive group.
• High ASA levels on spermatozoa significantly reduced fertilization rates, while female ASA titers showed no clear correlation.
• Abnormal semen quality had a more substantial negative impact on fertilization than ASAs.

Conclusions:

• In vitro fertilization offers comparable conception chances for couples with antisperm antibodies versus those without, provided other semen parameters are normal.
• While high ASA levels on sperm can impair fertilization, IVF remains a viable option for many couples with ASAs.
• Semen quality is a critical factor influencing IVF success, potentially more so than the presence of antisperm antibodies.