Studies on immunological infertility after inguinal hernia correction are few and not very representative. Anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) have been shown to reduce male fertility. Although the extent of infertility due to ASAs alone is not very clear, data indicates that about 8-10% of infertile patients have immunological infertility DESIGN: This retrospective study includes all infertile male patients (n = 2,258) who underwent MAR (Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction) test and urologic examination from 2000 to 2020. Sperm quality (assessed by the number of spermatozoa, their motility, vitality and normal form) was also evaluated. Among these patients, 191 had previously undergone unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia surgery repair. The aim of the study is to evaluate if there is a higher incidence of positive MAR test among patients undergoing inguinal hernioplasty compared to the unselected infertile population.
Antisperm antibodies it would seem to increase in both patients who performed general andrological surgery and groin hernia correction, respectively 3.48 (95%CI 1.70 – 7.10; p <0.001). and 2.45(95%CI 1.01 – 5.99; p <0.05) times more than the unselected infertile population.
MAR test could be useful in patients undergone previous scrotal surgery or hernia correction men, to avoid false unexplained infertility diagnosis and to direct the couple to ART procedures. Basal evaluation of sperm does not actually consider andrological surgery as an indication to autoimmunity investigation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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