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Antisperm antibodies: etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Objective:
To critically review the English-language literature and describe the current diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of antisperm antibodies (ASA).
Design:
A comprehensive literature search of the English-language literature published between 1966 and December 1997 was performed on MEDLINE. Articles were also located via bibliographies of published works.
Result(S):
Data were excerpted from articles identified by MEDLINE search. The diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of ASA are described.
Conclusion(S):
There is sufficient evidence that ASA impair fertility in couples with unexplained infertility. A number of different methodologies are available, which may be used in their detection. However, in many cases, test interpretation is subjective. Although there is not enough evidence to support systemic treatment for ASA, application of a variety of assisted reproductive technologies improves outcome.