Test/Profile Name
Anti Sperm AntibodyTest/Profile Code
T001322Clinical Usefullness
An antisperm antibody test looks for special proteins (antibodies) that fight against a man's sperm in body fluids. Semen can cause an immune system response in either the man's or woman's body. The antibodies produced can damage or kill sperm. If a high number of sperm antibodies come into contact with a man's sperm, it may be hard for the sperm to fertilize an egg. The couple has a hard time becoming pregnant. This is called immunologic infertility.
A man can make sperm antibodies when his sperm come into contact with his immune system. This can happen when the testicles are injured or after surgeries (such as a biopsy or vasectomy) or after a prostate gland infection. The testicles normally keep the sperm away from the rest of the body and the immune system.
A woman can have an allergic reaction to her partner's semen and make sperm antibodies. This kind of immune response is not fully understood but may affect fertility. This is a rare cause of infertility.
Specimen Type and Minimal Volume
Variable Please confirm with the laboratory prior to testing.Include Test
N/A