A Survey of Anti-Sperm Antibodies in Infertile Couples

The presence of anti-sperm antibodies (asa) in semen or serum may impair sperm functionleading to immunological infertility. the aim of this study was to investigate the presence ofasa on the surface of sperm and in circulating blood of infertile couples. in this crosssectional study, we studied 49 couples suffering from infertility for at least one year. serumasa (igg and iga classes) was examined by indirect spennmar test. also, asa (igg andiga classes) attached to the surface of spermatozoa were tested by direct spermmar methodin ejaculates from infertile men. asa were positive in 8% of semen samples (2% igg, 4%iga, 2% both igg and iga classes). only in one woman, asa of the igg class was found inserum samples. the presence of asa may impair fertilizing ability and is a serious factorwhich may prevent the success of various fertilization techniques. asa assessment should beconsidered as an essential part of infertility management.