5th time looking at DH's sperm, 1st time of possible antibodies - anyone else? Give me info...

AlexPuppy

Today was the second half of our B2B IUI's.  When we got the sperm sample back, our RE went over the numbers like she normally does.  This time though she said that for the first time they were noticing some clumping of the sperm.  Meaning they might have antibodies on them causing them to stick together. 

Does this sound right to you guys?  Is it possible that DH's sperm had this the whole time but the lab just didn't notice it before?

What has your experience with sperm antibodies been?  Once you realized you had it, did you move straight to IVF?  Or???

stepgirl21

Ok - this is my world right now. So, the ran an "antibody only" sa on h. Meaning that was the only reason for the analysis (he already has a regular sa prior to this one). His number came back at 86%. Meaning that his little guys are covered with antibodies. They basically prevent his sperm from fertilizing the egg. So, we are going to try IUI w/clomid. There is still a 15% chance that it could work after 3 rounds. But Doc is not optimistic and has prepared us that IVF is a likelyhood. I guess when he gives his sample, for IUI he has to deposit it into a cup with some kind of media that helps detach the antibodies from the sperm before they wash it.

AlexPuppy

Huh, interesting.  Thanks for your reply!  So were your DH's previous SA's 'normal' but then they decided to do an 'antibody only' one just in case?  Was there some indication about why they should test for that?

I wonder if my RE will consider using the detaching media you speak of.  She didn't mention it this morning.  Something to add to my questions to ask her.

stepgirl21

AlexPuppy:

Huh, interesting.  Thanks for your reply!  So were your DH's previous SA's 'normal' but then they decided to do an 'antibody only' one just in case?  Was there some indication about why they should test for that?

I wonder if my RE will consider using the detaching media you speak of.  She didn't mention it this morning.  Something to add to my questions to ask her.

Its routine for all male patients at my RE to run a regular sa and an antibody only sa when you first come in to start treatment.  That is why it was done. I'm, glad it was. She did say that antibodies are common in men who had "trama" to the genitals when they were younger. My  H can't remember that anything happening but he was a huge sports player so I'm sure that something happened along the way. Yes, definitley ask your RE about the media. Good luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.