In some cases, the immune system of a man or woman can produce antibodies against sperm, damaging them and impairing their ability to fertilize an egg. These antisperm antibodies can attach to sperm cells, disrupt their movement, and even destroy them. Purpose of the Test: The test detects the presence of antisperm antibodies in blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. A chemical substance is added to the sample, which binds only to sperm affected by antibodies, allowing the level of impact on fertility to be assessed. Impact on Fertility: If a high number of antibodies are present, it can hinder sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg, a condition known as immunologic infertility. Causes of Antisperm Antibodies in Men: Testicular injury Surgeries in the reproductive system (e.g., testicular biopsy or vasectomy) Prostate infections Medical conditions that expose sperm to the immune system, which does not naturally recognize sperm due to the testes' protective barrier. Causes in Women: Rarely, a woman may develop an allergic immune response to her partner’s semen, triggering antibody production against sperm. The exact immune mechanism is not fully understood, but it may affect fertility. Though immunologic infertility is relatively rare, when suspected, treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be used to bypass the effect of antibodies and improve fertilization chances.
A fertility-enhancing procedure in which sperm is collected and inserted directly into the female reproductive system. Different types of artificial insemination include: Intracervical Insemination (ICI) – Placing sperm in the cervix. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – Placing sperm directly inside the uterus to increase fertilization chances. Intratubal Insemination (ITI) – Directly placing sperm inside the fallopian tubes, where natural fertilization typically occurs. This method is used to treat various fertility issues, including poor sperm motility, unexplained infertility, and cervical mucus-related difficulties in sperm passage.
A medical procedure used to remove fluids or cells via suction through a needle. This technique is widely used in medicine, including fertility treatments. A common example is egg aspiration in IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries for fertilization in a laboratory.
A laboratory procedure performed before embryo transfer in IVF treatments to assist implantation. During the procedure, a small opening is made in the embryo’s outer protective layer (zona pellucida) to facilitate embryo "hatching" and attachment to the uterine lining (endometrium). When is it recommended? In cases where embryos have thick outer shells. In older women undergoing IVF. After multiple failed IVF implantation attempts.
A condition causing male infertility, resulting from a combination of two sperm abnormalities: Asthenozoospermia – A low number of motile sperm, reducing their ability to reach the egg and fertilize it. Teratozoospermia – A high percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology (shape defects), which may affect fertilization. This condition significantly lowers the chances of natural conception and often requires advanced fertility treatments, such as IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where healthy sperm are selected and injected directly into the egg.
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