Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia
Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia
Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia
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APPENDICESSPERM ANTIBODIESHow do sperm antibodies affect fertility?Sperm antibodies can reduce fertility in a number<strong>of</strong> ways, by:• Reducing the number <strong>of</strong> sperm in the semen• Coating sperm, causing them to clump togetherand reduce the motility (movement) <strong>of</strong> sperm.This stops the sperm from swimming throughthe fluid in the female cervix and reproductivetubes, when ejaculated into the vagina• Preventing sperm binding to and penetrating theegg during the fertilisation processThere are usually no other effects on a man’sgeneral health and no signs that might mean thatsperm antibodies are present. Some men withgenital tract blockages also have sperm antibodies.How are sperm antibodies treated?Prednisolone, a cortisone-like medicine, can beused to lower the levels <strong>of</strong> sperm antibodies. Aboutone in four couples become pregnant while theman is taking this medicine.MALE INFERTILITY 82
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