Anti Sperm Antibody (ASAB) Test

A healthy reproductive system is when an individual can conceive or produce a child and is called a fertile human. A female can conceive a biological child only when both partners are fertile.

If you are planning to become pregnant over a span of 12 months via unprotected intercourse and are still unable to conceive, it is termed infertility. There are various factors for the infertility of an individual such as uterine disorder, polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD), low sperm count (azoospermia or aspermia), immunological condition, etc.

Immunological infertility is a phenomenon where specific protein structures called antibodies attack and kill the sperm cells. They are known as anti-sperm antibodies. The body’s immune system mistakenly considers sperm cells as foreign substances and responds by destroying them. They can fight with sperm cells via blood, semen and vaginal fluid.

An Anti-Sperm Antibody Test is used to identify those antibodies in the body. The anti-sperm antibody test is used to diagnose and estimate the root cause of infertility, as well as the health of the reproductive organs of an individual. This test can be taken up by both males and females.

Increased level of these antibodies in the anti-sperm antibody test results confirms immunological infertility and unhealthy reproductive organs.

Every one in six couples suffer from infertility issues amongst those trying to conceive. Approximately 10-15% of Indian married couples have trouble conceiving. It is one of the rare conditions.

Infertility

The Anti-Sperm Antibody Test is prescribed when a couple is unable to conceive or in case of possible infertility. It is also prescribed when the other test results for fertility are unclear.

Following are the circumstance when a body forms anti-sperm antibodies, specifically in males:

• Prostate gland infection
• Surgical procedures such as vasectomy (sterilisation procedure for males) or biopsy
• Injury to testicles
• Testicular cancer
• Exposure to heavy metals

Anti-sperm antibodies are formed in females in rare conditions such as:

• Allergic to semen naturally, which results in the formation of anti-sperm antibodies.

An Anti-Sperm Antibody Test helps with the diagnosis of the anti-sperm antibodies in the blood, semen or vaginal fluid. If the result of this test is positive, a diagnosis of infertility is confirmed(Also called immunological infertility) and appropriate treatment should be taken. The test must be repeated as per the doctor’s advice to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.

Before the Test

In general, preparing for an Anti-Sperm Antibody Test doesn't typically require any special steps. However, if it is being done alongside another test, your doctor might suggest avoiding specific foods temporarily. Therefore,it is a good idea to speak with a physician before undergoing any testing for the best possible outcome.

During the Test

The process starts with drawing blood from a vein in your arm. Here is an overview of what happens during the procedure:

• The insertion site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• A tourniquet is applied to your arm to make the veins more visible.
• A disposable needle is inserted into the vein to collect the blood. This may cause a brief, sharp sensation and typically takes only a few seconds.
• The collected blood is placed in a container or a small test tube labelled with your test information.

After the Test

After the blood sample is collected:

• An adhesive bandage will be applied to the site to stop any bleeding.
• Minor bruising may occur, but feeling dizzy is uncommon. You may be advised to rest for a few minutes.
• If you notice any bleeding, discomfort, or skin reactions at the puncture site, contact your healthcare provider.

An Anti-sperm Antibody Test solely estimates the number of antibodies present against the sperm cells in your body. The result of the anti-sperm antibody test is not expressed as positive or negative. If the value is on the higher side, it is an indicator of immunological infertility. This test does not exhibit or claim any abnormality of reproductive organs.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

If the Anti-Sperm Antibody Test value is higher than the normal range, it indicates abnormality and confirms immunological infertility meaning decreased chances of sperm fertilising an egg.

The impact of increased anti-sperm antibodies varies between men and women.

• Men: High level of this antibody means decreased ability to conceive a child, as it affects sperm count and its mobility.
• Women: Increased antibodies in women's blood samples indicate an increased chance of vaginal fluid to kill the sperm before they meet the egg present in the uterus and fertilise it. Thus, lowering the ability of a female to conceive.