The MAR-test is a semen analysis that shows whether there are anti-sperm antibodies of the IgG and IgA class on your own sperm.
Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are special proteins produced by a man’s immune system as a response to inflammatory and traumatic processes (diseases, trauma, surgery, varicocele, chemotherapy, etc.). ASA – they attach to sperm and deprive them of the opportunity to fertilize an egg. In fact, the presence of ASA is an indicator of a malfunction in the body, within which its own germ cells are perceived by it as foreign and are attacked by the immune system.
A standard spermogram does not reveal this pathology. According to her results, sperm with anti-sperm antibodies are regarded by her as healthy. According to WHO standards, if there are 50% of sperm exposed to ASA, the patient is diagnosed with immunological infertility. Therefore, this analysis is extremely important when planning a pregnancy.
If this violation is detected, several solutions are possible to achieve pregnancy in a couple:
- Therapeutic treatment;
- “Cleaning” of ejaculate from ASA, followed by intrauterine insemination;
- ICSI method – injection of one sperm into the oocyte cytoplasm.
Preparation for research is the same as for spermogram:
- sexual abstinence for 3 to 5 days;
- avoid alcohol intake,
- exclude taking medications (by agreement with the doctor);
- exclude exposure to high temperatures (bathhouses, saunas, etc.) or low temperatures (hypothermia);
- reduce or eliminate strenuous physical activity.
This test can be scheduled on the same day as the spermogram (SG) test, or it can be taken separately in our clinic.