What are anti-sperm antibodies and what do they have to do with a vasectomy?
A. Antibodies are molecules produced by the immune system to fight off anything that the immune system perceives as being foreign. After a vasectomy many men begin making antibodies to their sperm that can be detected in their bloodstream. When present, antibodies can attach to the sperm and prevent them from moving (decrease motility) or from penetrating an egg. It has become clear that only antibodies present on the sperm may cause a problem in certain situations. Very few men actually have antibodies detected on their sperm after vasectomy reversal..
