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Anti-sperm antibodies

Evidence: Unconfirmed

Names 

Anti-sperm antibodies

Description

Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) is a lab measurement, not a disease.

In men, ASA is an autoimmune condition that is suspected to be caused when injury or disease to the prostate or testicles leads to an immune response that seeks to repair the damage. In the process of repair, the immune system mistakenly identifies sperm as foreign cells and the immune system creates antibodies to attack the sperm.

In women, ASA is an allergic response that can be an immunologic cause of infertility.

ASA is not a concern except for people trying to conceive.

Patient Groups

None found

Bloggers

None found

Prevalence

Prevalence of anti-sperm antibodies is unknown, since only people having trouble conceiving would ask to be tested.

Typical Age of onset

20-60 years old

Symptoms

  • Infertility

References