The significance of antisperm antibodies for sperm-cervical mucus interaction

Abstract

An overview is presented of the effects of antisperm antibodies on the sperm-cervical mucus interaction. Antisperm IgA on spermatozoa or in cervical mucus can severely inhibit sperm penetration of cervical mucus and migration through it. Disturbance of the sperm-cervical mucus interaction is the only firmly established effect of these antisperm antibodies and leads to reduced fertility, as shown by a poor or negative result of the post-coital test. The presence of antisperm IgA in the male or female partner can be investigated more specifically with the sperm-cervical mucus contact test and can be confirmed by the sperm agglutination test on bromelinliquefied cervical mucus, by the mixed antiglobulin reaction test or by the immunobead test for IgA.