THE EFFECT OF SERA ANTISPERM ANTIBODIES IN THE FEMALE PARTNER ON IN-VIVO AND IN-VITRO PREGNANCY AND SPONTANEOUS-ABORTION RATES

PROBLEM: To determine the incidence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in f emale sera from infertile couples or those suffering from recurrent ab ortions. Also to determine if the pregnancy and/or abortion rates are any higher in those positive versus those negative for ASA. METHOD: Al l registered patients had sera drawn and ASA measured by indirect immu nobead test on initial study. Pregnancy and abortion rates were determ ined for patients undergoing in vivo or in vitro therapy. RESULTS: The re was a low incidence of ASA in patients having in vivo or in vitro t reatment. There was no decrease in pregnancy rates (PRs) or increase i n spontaneous abortions (SAB) in those positive for ASA. CONCLUSION: A ntisperm antibodies in female sera do not seem to be etiologic in caus ing infertility or SAB. Future studies might consider changing the ant igen source from donor sperm to husband's sperm.