The MAR test for determining immunological infertility

Immunological causes come up in 10% of all male infertility cases. Various in-depth testing methods are used to find out the exact reasons. One of them is the MAR test.

The human immune system is the main obstacle to the penetration of harmful viruses and bacteria, called antigens, into the body. In response to their appearance, the body produces antibodies (protein compounds to fight the threat). In some cases, antibodies can take their own spermatozoa as antigens. This happens due to material entry into the blood vessels from the spermatic ducts. In a normal situation, this does not happen, but if the barrier becomes thinner, the immune system begins to produce antisperm antibodies. They cling to spermatozoa, reduce their quality and speed, and impair their ability to take part in the fertilization of the ovum.

The MAR test is a procedure that makes it possible to identify the percentage of spermatozoa with antisperm antibodies in a man's ejaculate. The analysis is carried out as a separate procedure or can be performed additionally with a regular spermogram.

How should you interpret the MAR test results?

The following classification is generally accepted:

• 0–10 % of antibodies are considered normal. There are no autoimmune diseases that affect the probability of conception.

• 10–50 %. The ASA (antisperm antibodies) influence is possible. In these cases, the cause of their presence is established, and treatment is started to reduce the number of affected material samples.

• 50–100 %. In such cases, a chance to conceive a child on your own is practically excluded.

Having any of these values of ASA in semen, you should not draw conclusions on your own. A mandatory consultation with a specialist is required.