is corticosteroids such as prednisolone treatment successfull in treating anti-sperm antibodies has anyone had any success??

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[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. Antibodies come into play when they are used to protect the body when it comes under attack from alien cells and infection. This is what happens in about 10% of men who suffer with infertility problems. In their case it is usually caused by some infection such as mumps or Chlamydia, and even follows a vasectomy reversal. In fact anything that upsets the testicles can cause it.

What often happens is that the antibodies do their job in protecting the sperm, but unfortunately, in many cases they cause the sperm to “clump” together. Imagine trying to run with 10 people holding on to you – well, this is like the sperm, they cannot swim properly to get to the egg.

Steroid treatment is sometimes tried if you want to try and conceive “naturally”, but they can carry side effects, so make sure these are explained before use. Fortunately, the dose is usually very low and is taken for a short time. In many case, all that is needed is for the sperm sample to be washed in order to separate the sperm. They can then be used in an IVF cycle or perhaps ICSI if they can’t swim properly. Occasionally enough can be rescued to use in intra uterine insemination.

I hope all works out well for you. Diane