The incidence and influence of antisperm antibodies in infertile human couples on sperm-cervical mucus interactions and subsequent fertility

Abstract

Analysis of serum samples from 698 infertile couples revealed antisperm antibodies present in 16.5% of the men and 21.6% of the women. Overall, 31.1% of the couples possessed at least one individual with positive results. Sperm-immobilized activity was detected in 29.6% of the cervical mucus (CM) samples from 459 women. Reduced sperm penetration of CM was significantly associated with serum titers of antisperm antibodies in both sexes and also with immobilizing activity in CM of women. The incidence of subsequent pregnancy in 376 infertile couples was reduced significantly if one or both partners had antisperm antibodies in serum or in genital tract secretions. The latter was reflected by evaluation of the immobilization, penetration, and shaking phenomenon of sperm in CM.