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 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 suffers 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.

Other names of Anti-Sperm Antibody test

• ASA test
• AsAb test

What does the Anti-sperm Antibody test detect or measure and who is this prescribed for?

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.

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.

Men: High level of this antibody means decreased ability to conceive a child, as it affects sperm count and mobility.

Women: Increased antibodies in women's blood samples indicate an increased chance of vaginal fluid killing the sperm before they meet the egg present in the uterus and fertilising it. Thus, lowering the ability of a female to conceive.

The anti-sperm antibody test procedure is performed by collecting the blood sample of a female and the sperm or semen sample of a male.

Test Preparation

Men: 

You should not ejaculate for two days before undergoing this test. But it should not exceed more than five days without ejaculating before the test as it may alter the test results.

You must collect the semen sample into a sterile cup by masturbating. You should urinate, and wash the penis and hands before masturbation. Avoid using lubricants and condoms during the sample collection process. Do not collect the sample post intercourse as vaginal fluid might get mixed with the semen sample.

If you are collecting the sample at home, keep the sample at room temperature away from direct sunlight and submit the sample to the lab or clinic within 1 hour of collection.

Women:

During the test: A phlebotomist (a person trained to draw blood samples) will collect your blood sample from the vein of the upper arm. You might feel the slight needle-prick. Also, no special precautions need to be followed. Fasting is not required prior to the test.

After the test: When done hygienically and according to protocol, the anti-sperm antibody test procedure poses no serious threats to an individual. There may be slight soreness due to needle insertion and lightheadedness.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

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.

How frequently should you take this test?

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 the anti-sperm antibody 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.

Infertility