Immunologic factors in infertility. Antibodies against spermatozoa.

The discussion is limited to the immunology of spermatozoa. Immunological factors in human infertility are explained. The capacity to cause an immune response in a substance or structure depends on several factors e.g. the antigen genetic factors and immune tolerance. The phenomenon of immunization against components of spermatozoa exists in humans and can be associated with infertility; this occurrence is rare. Sperm-specific components can induce autoimmune reactions in male organisms and isoimmune reactions in female organisms. These immune reactions do not necessarily interfere with fertility. Tests for the presence of antibodies against spermatozoa can be applied to male serum female serum seminal fluid and cervical mucus. Fertility prognoses for males with different sperm agglutinin counts are discussed. The autoimmune response seems to interfere with fertility in males in various reproductive-related ways e.g impairment of spermatogenesis impairment of sperm transport and reduction of fertilization capacity. A possible cause of autoimmune response against spermatozoa is resorption of spermatozoa. Treatment possibilities are discussed. The mechanisms whereby female isoimmune reactions to spermatozoa produce infertility are explained. Repetition of cervical mucus tests determination of ovulation times and other tests should be performed before a diagnosis of immune response-related infertility is made. Occlusion therapy is recommended.