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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

Antisperm antibodies

28 replies

chocciechip · 13/11/2010 13:49

After 2yrs TTC and finally at door of IVF, just found out yesterday that DH has antisperm antibodies, making his sperm 'clump' together. This is a test not done as standard on the NHS until very last minute (i.e. in IVF process), so I am shattered that we wasted time chasing other things not knowing about this at all. We were also told it is extremely rare.

Does anyone have any experience of this, and know of any treatment - medical or alternative? I know IVF and/or IUI - maybe even ICSI - are probably on the cards, but looking to hear anything anyone can tell us about this condition, what you've learned and done to get through it.

OP posts:
Keziahhopes · 13/11/2010 20:08

Hi - I was purely stating what the fertility clinic told us to do, so apologies for sharing out treatment protocol.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 13/11/2010 18:36

There are a variety of treatments available to help couples struggling with antisperm antibodies to conceive.

Sperms are complicated things and there is much about them that is not understood. Simple remedies will make no difference here so please do not waste your cash on vitamin supplements.

Treatments for semen antibodies include:-

?Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids help to decrease the production of antisperm antibodies. Unfortunately, corticosteroids are associated with side effects, including hipbone damage.

?Intrauterine Insemination(IUI): IUI can help couples to overcome antisperm antibodies as it allows sperm to bypass the cervical mucus. Fertility drugs can also be used.

?In-Vitro Fertilization(IVF): IVF is the most successful treatment for couples with antisperm antibodies. This allows the sperm to be directly injected into the egg, without havng to travel throguh the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Keziahhopes · 13/11/2010 17:50

Hi,
yes that is the problem dh and I have (he has lowish numbers of sperm, poor morphology and 30% antibodies) - we were told:

  1. Change supplements to Menevit (can only get from Australia/New Zealand online about £40ish for 3 months or find out their contents and buy lots of bottles in chemist to make up the same level. It has made a difference, 4 SA later we can see a rise in number of sperm, improved motility but same level of antibodies! Took 11months of nhs testing to find out the real problem.
  2. We were told we need ICSI (but as you know, noone will treat us despite PCT funding for one cycle!) - so did the dr recommend anything for you? Are you nhs or private?

All the best - we go to see a dr (if can get through rest of hurdles tehy are putting up) in 3 weeks, so will let you know what they say. x

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