The Significance of Serum Sperm-Agglutinating Antibodies in Men with Infertile Marriages

Abstract

Three hundred consecutive male partners of infertile marriages had serum samples tested for sperm agglutinating and sperm immobilising antibodies, using a micro-technique: 30.3% were found to be positive. Out of a control group of 100 fertile men 10 had antibodies detected (10%) and these at low titre; this difference was significant. The results of these serum tests were found to correlate with the results of seminal plasma tests, the mixed antiglobulin reaction for IgG and sperm cervical mucus contact testing, although all of these tests were less discriminatory with regard to fertility. The serum micro-immobilisation test showed a statistical association with fertility when analysed in those couples where both husband's and wife's tests showed no other bar to fertility.