Patient's question:
What are the harms of immunological infertility to womenDoctor's answer:
1. Blocking sperm from penetrating cervical mucus, antisperm antibodies can cause sperm to clump together, hindering sperm mobility. Sperm immobilizing antibodies exhibit cytotoxic reactions, leading to sperm death or affecting sperm mobility. Additionally, they may have certain effects on sperm metabolism and the function of sperm contraction proteins.2. Affecting the activity of sperm enzymes, inhibiting the dispersion of the zona pellucida and corona radiata, including:
① Acrosin: Promotes sperm penetration through the zona pellucida and facilitates sperm-egg fusion;
② Hyaluronidase: Disperses the cumulus oophorus (corona radiata). Sperm antibodies primarily inhibit the activity of hyaluronidase, disrupting the dispersion of sperm.
3. Affecting embryonic development. Causes of immunological infertility are varied, such as infections, bilateral reproductive tract obstruction, extratesticular injuries (e.g., torsion), post-testicular biopsy, cryptorchidism, varicocele, and homosexual (anal) intercourse. It is particularly important to inquire about a history of vasectomy. Any condition that disrupts the blood-testis barrier, causes accessory gland infection, exposes the testes to high temperatures, or damages the testes, leading to the formation of antisperm antibodies, can result in immunological infertility.
4. Blocking the zona pellucida recognition sites on the acrosomal membrane, inhibiting sperm attachment to and penetration of the zona pellucida.