Patient's question:
What is immunological infertility? I've been married for several years, but we still don't have any children. I'm very anxious myself and don't know if it's my problem. I've asked my husband to get checked, but he refuses. I'm afraid my condition will worsen. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
Hello, immunological infertility refers to infertility caused by immunological factors. Immunological infertility accounts for 10-30% of infertile patients, among which there are hidden anti-sperm antibodies, anti-endometrial antibodies, anti-ovum antibodies, and other types of immunological infertility. In clinical diagnosis, the most common type is immunological infertility caused by the production of anti-sperm antibodies. Due to reproductive tract inflammation in women, local secretion increases, allowing auto-immune cells to enter the reproductive tract. At the same time, the mucosal permeability of the reproductive tract changes, reducing the maturation of sperm antigens. Moreover, bacterial and viral infection factors may act as natural adjuvants, reducing the body's autoimmune response to sperm antigens. As a result, anti-sperm antibodies reappear in the local reproductive tract and blood, affecting sperm vitality and hindering fertilization of the ovum, leading to infertility.