Patient's question:
After my second miscarriage, I found out I had anti-sperm antibodies, which were positive. Later, I got pregnant with twins, but it didn't last long and they miscarried automatically. I'm asking how to treat this, what medication to take, and how long it will take to be cured.Doctor's answer:
Common methods include the following:1. Etiological treatment for immunological infertility. Protecting the blood-testis barrier function and reducing autoimmune reactions. Anti-inflammatory treatment for inflammation of the testes, epididymis, and accessory glands can lower antibody titers; surgical removal of unilateral lesions of the testes or epididymis, or dilation of obstructed ducts. Immunoinhibition therapy. This therapy has now achieved good results, with about 1/2 of patients being cured and successfully conceiving. Women with infertility due to antisperm antibodies in cervical mucus can use hydrocortisone locally in the vagina. Adrenal cortical hormone drugs can be used to treat immunological infertility.
2. Isolation therapy. Avoiding the stimulation of sperm antigens to the female is important. Women with sperm agglutinating antibodies in their bodies should use condoms during intercourse to avoid contact with semen. After 6–18 months, 40%–60% of women will see a decline in antibody titers, and intercourse during the ovulation period may lead to conception; immunosuppressive therapy can also be used under the guidance of a doctor. Men can use testosterone to suppress sperm production to lower antibody titers, but this only has a temporary effect. It is important to conceive after the sperm production function recovers and antibody levels remain low after stopping the medication.
3. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a good therapeutic effect on immunological infertility. Reports indicate that methods such as clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting blood circulation to remove stasis, or nourishing yin and reducing fire can achieve good results. However, the basic principle should be syndrome differentiation and treatment for optimal outcomes.
4. Intrauterine insemination (IUI). When sperm antibodies in cervical mucus interfere with conception, the husband’s semen can be processed outside the body to isolate high-quality sperm for IUI.
5. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. This method reflects modern high technology, with a fertilization rate of 83% and a pregnancy rate of 33%. Women with high-titer antisperm antibodies in their bodies are suitable candidates for IVF.
6. Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). If you have any other questions, feel free to continue consulting. Wishing you health!