Sperm and eggs are two crucial components for the reproduction process in animals. However, sometimes sperm may face a hostile environment when traveling through a woman’s reproductive tract.

The reason behind it is the woman’s immune system, which can attack the sperm and cause problems in fertilization. In this article, we’ll explore why a woman’s immune system can be hostile to sperm and understand the mechanism behind it.

What is the Immune System?

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders like viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

The immune system can recognize foreign entities and produce antibodies to target them. However, sometimes, this sophisticated defense mechanism can attack sperm and cause problems in fertilization.

How does the Immune System Attack Sperm?

The immune system can attack sperm in various ways. One of the primary mechanisms behind it involves the production of antibodies that target specific proteins on the surface of sperm.

These antibodies can bind to the sperm and damage them, reducing their motility and preventing them from reaching the egg.

Another way the immune system can attack sperm is by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines that can cause inflammation in the reproductive tract. This inflammation can further reduce sperm motility and cause damage to the sperm’s DNA.

Why Does the Immune System Attack Sperm?

The immune system sees sperm as foreign entities, as they carry different genetic material than the woman’s body. Therefore, in some cases, the immune system can attack sperm as it would attack any harmful invader.

However, in most healthy women, the immune system doesn’t attack the sperm, and they can reach the egg without any trouble.

However, in some cases, the immune system becomes overactive and starts to attack sperm even when they are not harmful. This condition is known as antisperm antibodies (ASA), and it can cause problems in fertilization and pregnancy.

What Causes the Immune System to Attack Sperm?

Various factors can trigger the immune system to attack sperm. Some common causes include:.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Some STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause inflammation in the reproductive tract, which can trigger the immune system to attack sperm.
Varicocele: A varicocele is a condition in which veins in the scrotum become enlarged and swollen, causing poor blood flow to the testicles. This condition can cause an increase in temperature in the testicles, which can trigger the immune system to attack sperm.
Testicular injury: Testicular injury can cause damage to the sperm and expose them to the immune system, which can attack them.
Exposure to environmental toxins: Pesticides, heavy metals, and other environmental toxins can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the reproductive tract, which can trigger the immune system to attack sperm.

How is Antisperm Antibodies (ASA) Diagnosed?

If a woman is having trouble getting pregnant, her doctor may suspect ASA and perform some tests to diagnose it. These tests include:.

Semen analysis: A semen analysis can reveal the presence of antibodies in the semen, which can indicate a problem with the immune system.
Post-coital test: A post-coital test involves collecting a sample of cervical mucus after intercourse and examining it under a microscope for the presence of sperm. If the sperm is absent or immobile, it can indicate a problem with the immune system.
Antisperm antibody test: An antisperm antibody test involves collecting blood samples and testing them for the presence of antibodies that target sperm. The test can detect the presence of IgA, IgG, or IgM antibodies.

How is Antisperm Antibodies (ASA) Treated?

If a woman is diagnosed with ASA, her doctor may recommend various treatments depending on the severity of the condition. Some common treatments include:.

Sperm washing: Sperm washing is a process in which the sperm is separated from the semen and treated with a solution that removes antibodies. The treated sperm can then be used for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Immunosuppressive therapy: Immunosuppressive therapy involves taking medication that suppresses the immune system’s activity, reducing the number of antibodies attacking sperm.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): ICSI is a process in which a single sperm is injected directly into the egg, bypassing the immune system’s interactions altogether.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a woman’s immune system can be hostile to sperm, causing problems in fertilization and pregnancy. The immune system can attack sperm by producing antibodies or causing inflammation in the reproductive tract.

Antisperm Antibodies (ASA) can cause problems in getting pregnant, and women who suspect they have ASA should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Identifying the causes and treating ASA can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and delivery.