Does large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix predispose to the development of antisperm antibodies in women?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether large loop excision of the transformation zone of the uterine cervix for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia predisposes to the development of female isoimmunity to human spermatozoa.


METHODS
A prospective, controlled study.


METHODS
Colposcopy and Andrology units at the John Radclife and Churchill Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom.


METHODS
Serum samples were collected from 33 women before large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix and repeated at a minimum time interval of 4 months after the procedure. Women were questioned regarding the procedure and subsequent reproductive function. A control population of 30 women not undergoing cervical surgery also underwent serial serum screening for antisperm antibodies.


METHODS
The detection of serum antisperm antibodies by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
None of the serum samples before large loop excision of the cervical transformation zone had clinically significant levels of antisperm antibodies. There was, however, a significant rise in antisperm antibody levels in women following large loop excision of the transformation zone. Apparent risk factors for the development of antisperm antibodies included a short duration of sexual abstinence and the use of nonbarrier contraception after surgery. There was no rise in antisperm antibody levels in the control population.


CONCLUSIONS
Large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix is a risk factor for the development of antisperm antibodies in women. Women should be advised to use barrier contraception or avoid sexual intercourse until complete healing of the cervix has occurred.
Nicholson
S C
SC
Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion and City Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Robinson
J N
JN
Sargent
I L
IL
Hallam
N F
NF
Charnock
F M
FM
Barlow
D H
DH
D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery*; D003273:Contraceptive Devices; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012746:Sexual Abstinence; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000601:surgery
D007518:Isoantibodies