anti-sperm antibodies test
Although men with abnormal hormone production may benefit from hormone therapy, most men with decreased sperm counts have normal hormone levels and do not benefit from such therapy.
Medications used for men include: clomiphene citrate, hCG and tamoxifen. Clomiphene increases FSH and LH levels, which are regulated in the pituitary as is sperm production. Males take clomiphene orally every day for four to six months to allow time for the improvement of sperm production. Typically, there is a 10 to 15 percent success rate for this type of medication.
If a man’s sperm count and quality are extremely low, injections of hCG may be used. This is a medication that goes directly to the testicle and causes it to produce a high testosterone level, which is necessary for normal sperm production. Tamoxifen blocks the action of the female hormone that is produced by the testicle in small amounts. The idea behind this is in blocking the production of female hormone, it will allow for better sperm production.
Anti-Sperm Antibody Test
In males, barriers exist to "hide" sperm from the body’s immune system. This is to keep the body from identifying the sperm as foreign, classifying it as dangerous and producing a defense against it. When these barriers break down the body produces anti-sperm antibodies. If these antibodies attach themselves to sperm they cause severely diminished motility and/or agglutination. Females may also produce anti-sperm antibodies. The presence of antibodies is evaluated by testing seminal fluid, semen and the serum from the woman. There should be an anti-sperm antibody evaluation if: in preparation of a vasectomy reversal, sperm motility is diminished, there is an increase of agglutination observed or if sperm viability is in question. Females should be evaluated if a sperm cervical mucus interaction assay test necessitates it.
Men and women who have high levels of anti-sperm antibodies may benefit from taking the drug prednisone. In low doses it suppresses sperm antibodies and improves sperm function. Taken for extended periods of time adverse side effects develop, so it may only be used for a few months