Eddie:

I have read that sperm antibodies are responsible for uncomfortable
granulomas and are risk factors for autoimmune conditions. The
autoimmune risks posed by sperm antibodies are an important reason by
alternative contraception, e.g. heat, ultrasound, or RISUG, are
needed.

The antibodies may be a factor in the irreversibility of vasectomy,
but they are probably a rather insignificant one. In their natural,
sealed environment, that a reversal tries to restore, the sperms are
protected from the immune system; that is why antibodies do not form
in the first place. Open ended vasectomies are more frequently
reversible than are conventional closed ended vasectomies. The
reversibility problem seems dominated by damage done by sperm
congestion.

jp

--- In malecontraceptives@yahoogroups.com, elcroom@n... wrote:
> >There is another advantage to having the testicular end left open.
> Having the sperm escape tends cause antibodies to build up over
time and
> this makes it less likely for the person to become fertile. It
makes
> reversal less likely to work. But for those who want irreversible
> sterility, that is probably the way to go.
>
> Good luck,
> Eddie