IgG antisperm antibodies attached to sperm do not correlate with infertility following vasovasostomy.
The sperm of 12 men postvasovasostomy was tested for antisperm antibodies by means of a mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) test. Agglutinating antibodies were found in 58% of these patients: 50% of the men whose partners became pregnant and 75% of those whose partners did not become pregnant. No significant difference in the level of antibody attachment could be found between the fertile group and the infertile group. Damage to the testis and epididymis following vasectomy seems more likely to interfere with subsequent fertility following vasectomy reversal.
Newton
R A
RA
Division of Urology, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, MA 02162.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*; D013243:Sterilization Reversal; D014669:Vasovasostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G