Antisperm antibodies

[Kari55]

Hi, cutting long story short, I’m currently investigating the NK cell tests and all things to do with immune therapy in fertility. At the moment I’m read a book “Is your body baby friendly?” By Alan Beer. One short chapter made me think a bit. Basically, he says that if a man has antisperm antibodies (which my husband has), a woman has been exposed to them and can also develop antisperm antibodies which will cause an implantation failure or miscarriage. We have failed 2 rounds, one of which was with a top quality embryo. I realise that immune therapy in fertility is controversial and according to Beer a lot of things can cause some kind of autoimmune problems eg. Stress, PCOS etc. I’m curious if anyone had any experience with antisperm antibodies on female/Male side. I would love to hear from you.

[jm22]

My OH has antibodies in his sperm,we were never told any of this. My clinic said we still could get pregnant naturally and that the levels may vary. In my OHs 2nd sample the level was lower. We had our 1st icsi cycle end in chemical, I hope it doesn't have an effect on implantation as we are soon starting our FET,did your clinic say this could be an issue? xo

[Kari55 in reply to jm22]

Hi jm22, our clinic told us exactly what you were told, that even natural conception is possible with antibodies. In fact, I’ve heard this in both our clinics - NHS and private. This is the first time I read about this (and I’ve done a lot of research) and I thought I would ask a question here to explore the topic.

[Core]

I’ve not heard about this, but sounds interesting, would this be something that would show up on a normal sperm test?x

[Kari55 in reply to Core]

There is a specific test for this for male- it’s called MAR. The normal semen test will show agglutination of sperm which usually indicates the presence of antibodies. Not sure how the presence of antibodies is tested in female.

[Hidden in reply to Kari55]

Hi Kari, intersesting post thank uou. I don't have experience in the .But can I ask your advice where on the standard Semen analysis test does it talk about agglutination - I can only see volume, concentration, no., Progressive, normal forms, liquifaction, non motile non progressive? Thank you X L

[Kari55 in reply to Hidden]

My husband’s had 3 standard tests done before we started IVF and no agglutination has been mentioned on them. We have only found out about antibodies during our 1st ICSI (agglutination was 50%). From what I read the motility would be reduced if the antibodies are present. My husband’s varies but is often on a lower side but during last ICSI was actually over 50% and agglutination was 20-30%. He also has very low morphology 0-3% so we have a combination of things going on. X

[Devj]

Hi, my partner has anti sperm antibodies. We were told at our first ever consultant appointment that that was the issue and our only hope was ICSI and the chances of conceiving naturally were so so low. The consultant never mentioned me having them, I was actually given the all clear. All my tests and fertile function completely normal. We had a fresh round which failed, followed by a frozen which was successful and we have a toddler and I am currently 16+5 weeks pregnant following a second frozen transfer.

So I can only assume the antibodies haven’t developed in my system even though I have been exposed to them.

Best of luck with your next round x

[jm22 in reply to Devj]

Congratulations on ur pregnancy, this gives me some hope for our FET, what was your partners sperm count/morphology like? Hope u don't mind me asking xo

[Devj in reply to jm22]

I can’t actually remember as it was almost 5 years ago now we had that initial consultation with the results. I have a letter somewhere explaining with the count/morphology. I think his sperm count was normal and quite good (once the semen had been washed to get rid of the antibodies). I think I remember morphology (the clumping together restricting the sperm movement) was bad, like really bad hence the consultant saying our chances of conceiving naturally were extremely low. I kind of knew that was the case as we’d be trying for so long!

Our first fresh cycle failed but I think my body hadn’t fully recovered from the egg collection, injections etc so definitely put it down to that. After a few months rest we did a frozen cycle and no issues at all. All our embryos made blasto stage and most were the highest or next grade down. Once my partner’s sperm has been ‘washed’ to remove the antibodies its fine. Just those pesky antibodies being too protective of it leaving his body!! So annoying xx p.s thank you 😊

[jm22 in reply to Devj]

Thanks for your reply.My OH sperm count is very high and his morphology is good,so the antibodies are the only issue,but the first time tested they were at 80%,I don't know what his sample was like for icsi,they never said anything. Trying to be positive for FET, I like u really didn't feel ready for transfer in fresh round,but they thought we should go ahead so we did. All the best for the rest of ur pregnancy xox

[Kari55 in reply to jm22]

I hope you don’t mind me asking, did your husband have a vasectomy or does he have an autoimmune illness? My husband has got the latter and I believe it’s all linked and that’s why he produces antibodies to his own sperm.

[jm22 in reply to Kari55]

No he has neither,he did play rugby tho when younger and also was doing jujitsu when we first started this process, so they said it can be caused but an injury and pretty much told him to be more careful, we haven't had him tested in well over a yr now so it's hard to know what levels are like now. I've never actually had my tubes checked so I've no idea if that is also a problem,my gp referred me to 2 clinics at the same time and the one that does ivf came up first, I did have a polyp which was removed but we haven't really had much chance to try naturally since that was removed.Sometimes I just get so fed up with the whole thing, it all feels so overwhelming,it seems so unfair that we have to think about all these things while some people I know get pregnant within a couple of months of trying. I will let u know how our next transfer goes, if our little embryo survives the thaw. Hope u get some answers for ur next steps xox

[Kari55 in reply to jm22]

Oh I see. The antibodies are so annoying as I believe there is nothing that can be done. But they do fluctuate and the doctors are convinced that even natural conception is still possible. I can’t believe that you weren’t referred for HSG to check your tubes! But then this test can be so misleading. I had it done and the dye didn’t go through one tube so I had laparoscopy which show that both tubes are fine. It must have gone into spasm during HSG.

I know this experience is so unfair. I get sometimes so worked up as we are stuck in our small flat constantly saving for IVF whereas our friends are popping out 2nd or 3rd child and buying bigger houses. I have to put in a lot of effort into dealing with my emotions as I know it’s not helpful.

I wish you an absolute best with your FET. Will be looking out for your updates x

[jm22 in reply to Kari55]

Thank you so much. To be honest it was just the way timings worked,and once the polyp was found that was the focus so the tubes just got overlooked I guess. I try my best to focus on all the good stuff we have,but sometimes it's very hard isn't it. Wishing you all the best on your journey, really hope we get our miracle babies, will keep an eye out for ur updates too 🙂xox

[Kari55 in reply to Devj]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is very reassuring to hear a success story like yours. X

[Devj in reply to Kari55]

Thank you 😊 there is hope. Please don’t give up xxx