Did I build an antibody "tolerance" to sperm?
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Hello! I have a question about infections and immuniology with respect to infertiliy:
In my adult life I've had 9 sexual partners, and was on the Pill throughout my twenties/thirties. With each partner, I'd get bladder infections so bad that I'd have to be rushed to the emergency room, as they quickly developed (within 4 hours of relations) to UTIs, in which I would urinate dark red blood until they could get antiobiotics inside of me. This happened with each partner.
Does this mean I have a predisposition to not "accepting" foreign matter (sperm) into my reproductive system and should have this checked out? Would this be any cause for concern during my upcoming IFV/ICSI cycle that I should mention to my dr.?
Any light you can shed would be so helpful.
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I'm sorry about all the ER visits! Sometimes people on the pill may be more predisposed to UTIs. Usually these people will have a low serum estrogen while on the pill, their vaginal and urethral tissues are thinned and alre more easily infected. Also it is not uncommon for a person to have a partially treated UTI that flares during times of activity (ie - sex). No, I don't believe that you have built up an antibody "tolerance" to sperm but, I have seen women who are plagued with frequent vaginal infections express increased #s of autoimmune factors in their blood. This may translate into implantation difficulties so - I do believe that it is a good idea to be tested before embarking upon the IVF cycle.
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