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Microsurgical vasovasostomy: immunologic consequences and subsequent fertility
Fertility and Sterility
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Sperm antibody levels after vasectomy reversal surgery do not impact fertility. This study found no significant difference in antibody titers between men who conceived and those who did not after microsurgical vasovasostomy.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Microsurgical vasovasostomy is a procedure for vasectomy reversal.
- The role of antisperm antibodies in post-vasovasostomy fertility is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum and seminal antisperm antibody titers and fertility outcomes after microsurgical vasovasostomy.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected preoperatively and postoperatively from 55 men undergoing vasovasostomy.
- Antibody titers (agglutinating and immobilizing) were measured.
- Fertility was assessed over a 1-year follow-up period.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in serum antibody titers was observed between fertile and infertile groups.
- A small proportion of men had positive seminal antibody titers.
- Seminal antibody presence did not correlate with fertility in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- The presence or absence of spermagglutinating or sperm-immobilizing antibodies in serum or semen does not appear to significantly affect fertility after microsurgical vasovasostomy.