Anti-sperm antibodies
Anti-sperm antibodies and the post coital test
Anti-sperm antibodies
If prior testing has not determined a cause for infertility the antisperm antibody test may be recommended. The usefulness of the test is controversial because the many doctors will recommend the same infertility treatment regardless of the outcome.
The test detects antibodies against the sperm that can kill or disable the man’s sperm impairing the chance of fertilization.
A man can produce sperm antibodies when his sperm are exposed to his immune system. This can occur after damage to his testis, surgical procedures such as vasectomy and prostate infection.
The post coital test (also known as the Huhner test or Sims-Huhner test)
This test analyses the cervical mucus after sexual intercourse to investigate whether sperm are present and motile in the natural environment. The usefulness of this test is widely controversial among clinicians because results are difficult to evaluate.
It is done if ovulation is normal, fallopian tubes are not blocked and sperm count is within normal limits.
The test is preformed a day before ovulation when the cervical mucus is thin and elastic enabling sperm to penetrate. 2-4 hours after sexual intercourse the doctor collects and evaluates the mucus.
This simple test is commonly mis-interpreted if 1) misjudgment of ovulation has occurred 2) lubricates are used during sex
“Office” Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy can be performed as either an “office procedure” or an outpatient hospital procedure.
Office hysteroscopy is mainly used as a diagnostic tool to help evaluate patients that have infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or abnormal bleeding.
It is a relatively painless procedure, using only a local anaesthetic, in which a gynaecologist dilates the cervix to allow the "scope" to be placed into the uterus. Usually carbon dioxide gas or water is attached to the scope to allow the walls of the uterus to expand. A bright light is also attached to the scope to illuminate the cavity of the uterus.
The gynaecologist carefully looks at the inside of the uterus and make sure it is normal. The places where the fallopian tubes enter into the uterus can usually be seen. Any abnormalities are usually discussed afterward.
In most cases a small sample of the lining of the uterus is removed for examination.
Most patients do not have any problems and can even go back to work the same day. Some patients may feel weak and have cramps that last several hours afterward. Spotting and light bleeding like a period can occur for several days afterward and are considered normal
