Patient's question:
I have been married to my partner for more than three years. Initially, we prioritized our careers and didn't have children, always using contraception. Now that our careers are somewhat stable, both of us want to have a child. However, after preparing for over a year, there has been no progress. Recently, we went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said it is very likely my issue, suggesting I get a semen analysis. I would like to ask what tests are included in a routine semen analysis?Doctor's answer:
Sperm immune testing consists of three parts: AsAb testing, seminal plasma immune suppressive substance testing, and sperm cell immune testing. Clinically, AsAb testing is still the most commonly used method. There are many methods for detecting AsAb, but current approaches are limited to detecting immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and a few IgM). There are two main methods: one is to detect AsAb attached to sperm (direct method); the other is to detect AsAb in serum, semen, and female reproductive tract secretions (indirect method). The direct method is more reliable.