Recently, more attention has been paid to immunological male infertility. After carrying out of many researches it became clear that the reason for this are antisperm antibodies, which are formed in men in testicles and their appendages. But one result of spermogram is not enough to completely reveal the cause of infertility. Therefore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, doctors give a recommendation for another semen analysis - the MAR-test ("mixed agglutination reaction", which literally means "mixed agglutination reactions").
Antigens in this case are membranes in spermatozoa. If they can not cope with antisperm antibodies, then the spermatozoon is covered with an antispermic membrane that inhibits its movement.
The MAR-test makes it possible to detect these antibodies or confirm their absence.
The usual spermogram does not allow to reveal this pathology, since in this analysis, the spermatozoon, damaged by antisperm antibodies, looks normal. But at the same time, he is not able to fertilize an egg and in fact is defective. The MAR-test makes it possible to determine the ratio of the spermatozoa damaged by antibodies, to the total quantity released in one ejaculate. And only he is able to show the exact number of healthy spermatozoa that are able to participate in the process of fertilization. If the results of the MAR-test are negative, which means the permissible amount of antibodies, then other causes of infertility in men are sought.
The causes of the appearance of antisperm antibodies in the male body
In fact, the reasons why a man's body starts to fight with his own healthy cells is somewhat:
- reception of traumas of genital organs (including surgical interventions);
- violation of the barrier between the blood vessels and the seminal canals;
- the presence of infections;
- urogenital system disease;
- there are reasons for unclear origin;
- promiscuous sexual intercourse (a large presence of foreign proteins is perceived by the body as a threat).
Indicators for the purpose of the MAR test
The test for determining the presence or absence of antisperm antibodies is prescribed in case of detection in spermogram of such pathologies of spermatozoa as:
- agglutination;
- aggregation;
- decreased mobility;
- prolonged absence of pregnancy in a married couple;
- preparation for IVF and ICSI .
If the doctor has appointed this analysis, it will be best to take the MAR test in a high-tech medical laboratory, because the most advanced equipment is used in the processing of the material for analysis, which positively affects the accuracy of a fairly expensive analysis.
MAR-test for antisperm antibodies suggests their detection not only in the examination of sperm, but also in the analysis of serum. Decoding of the MAR-test:
- MAR-test norm - when the results of the analysis did not reveal spermatozoa damaged by antisperm antibodies.
- MAR-negative test means that the amount of damaged spermatozoa is not higher than 50%. This indicator can also be considered the norm.
- The MAR-test is positive, it is considered when the analysis showed that the amount of spermatozoa in the antispermic shell is more than 50%. This indicator indicates the probability of male immunological infertility.
If the MAR-test showed a positive result of 100%, then the natural fertilization from the surveyed man is almost impossible. In this case, doctors suggest using the conception method with IVF and ICSI.