Thus , the blood -- testis barrier may reduce the likelihood that sperm proteins will induce an immune response , reducing fertility and so progeny .
Injection of sperm antigens causes inflammation of the testis ( auto - immune orchitis ) and reduced fertility .
The blood -- testis barrier may reduce the likelihood that sperm proteins will induce an immune response , reducing fertility and so progeny .
Injection of sperm antigens causes inflammation of the testis ( auto - immune orchitis ) and reduced fertility .