Clinical associations and mechanisms of action of antisperm antibodies

Objective: To review and critique the current English literature describing the effects of antisperm antibodies (ASA) on mammalian fertility. Design: A comprehensive English language literature was searched using Medline and by hand-searching. Emphasis was placed on clinically relevant articles. Result(s): Results from the studies were extrapolated and the effects of ASA on fertility described. Conclusion(s): Antisperm antibodies may interfere with fertility. Not all ASA cause infertility. Current tests cannot differentiate the infertility-related ASA from those that do not interfere with infertility, because the antigenic specificities of these ASA are not known. The antigens which the infertility-related ASA must be characterized to allow an accurate detection and proper treatment for couples with ASA. (C) 2004 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.