- What Is Autoimmunity and Immunological Infertility?
- How Is Immune-Related Infertility Treated?
- What Are the Common Causes of Immune-Related Infertility?
- Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
- How Is Immune-Related Infertility Diagnosed?
- Why Choose CHR for Your Fertility Journey?
- Get In Touch
What Is Autoimmunity and Immunological Infertility?
Autoimmunity occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, leading to a variety of health issues, including infertility. In women, an autoimmune disorder can disrupt the reproductive process, making it difficult to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Conditions like recurrent miscarriages, implantation failures, and low ovarian reserve may all be signs of underlying immunological problems. Immunological infertility refers to fertility challenges caused by an overactive or malfunctioning immune system. A hyperactive immune system might respond aggressively to environmental triggers, such as pollen or certain foods, and in some cases, interfere with pregnancy by targeting reproductive cells or embryos. At the Center for Human Reproduction, Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H. Barad specialize in diagnosing and treating immune-related infertility. With over 30 years of experience, our experts have helped countless women with autoimmune conditions or subclinical immunological issues successfully conceive and deliver healthy babies. Through timely intervention and personalized care, many women facing immunological infertility can still achieve their dream of parenthood. Contact our center in New York, NY today to schedule a consultation.
How Is Immune-Related Infertility Treated?
Autoimmune diseases are often chronic, requiring ongoing care and monitoring, even when patients appear to be in good health. While most autoimmune conditions cannot be cured, proper medical management allows many individuals to lead relatively normal lives. For those dealing with immunological infertility, however, proactive treatment is essential, as autoimmune issues can create significant challenges in both achieving and maintaining a pregnancy.
At CHR, Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad take a comprehensive approach to managing immune-related infertility. By addressing immune abnormalities and hyperactive immune systems comprehensively, we aim to support our patients in their journey to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Our proactive treatment protocols, including intralipids, IVIg, and other medications, are tailored to enhance embryo implantation, promote development in the uterus, and reduce the risk of recurrent miscarriages.
What Are the Common Causes of Immune-Related Infertility?
Autoimmune diseases remain some of the least understood conditions, though research suggests that hormones play a significant role. Some autoimmune conditions may improve or worsen during pregnancy, with hormonal changes potentially influencing these fluctuations. Certain autoimmune diseases, like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, have been linked to early menopause. Autoimmune diseases also show strong hereditary patterns, often clustering in families as different conditions. For example, a mother might have lupus, while her daughter has scleroderma, and her grandmother has rheumatoid arthritis. Research is ongoing to better understand the genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that contribute to autoimmune diseases.
Common Examples of Autoimmune Diseases
- Nervous System: Multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune neuropathies, Guillain-Barré
- Gastrointestinal Tract: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune hepatitis
- Hematological System: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia
- Endocrine Glands: Type 1 diabetes, Grave's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune oophoritis/orchitis
- Blood Vessels: Temporal arteritis, vasculitides, Wegener's granulomatosis
- Skin: Psoriasis, vitiligo, dermatitis herpetiformis
- Connective Tissue/Multiple Organs: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome
Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
I really appreciate Dr. Gleicher for not dismissing me because of my age. I have more hope for our family building working with his team.
The best in vitro clinics are not only professional, they also treat you as if you were part of the family. I have my 6-year-old daughter thanks to that great team.
Dr Gleicher and Dr Barad changed our lives! After many failed ivf attempts and miscarriages from natural conceptions, I booked a call with Dr Gleicher as his YouTube on being hypoallergenic and thyroid issues can cause miscarriage. He correctly diagnosed me on the phone and then confirmed with blood tests I have an autoimmune disorder (ANA positive) and need steroids the first trimester. He implanted 2 embryos (created when I was 43/44 and at age 47 I got pregnant!) I have a healthy 3 year old now. I only wish I would have talked to him earlier. Dr Barad did the implantation and has a great technique, this is art and science! I can’t thank them enough!
The most knowledgeable, professional and caring medical staff. Feel truly cared for during this difficult journey.
Our daughter had her first birthday on February 6th. She’s extremely smart, and super sweet. She brings us so much joy, and we can never adequately thank Dr. Barad enough for all his help to make it possible!
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How Is Immune-Related Infertility Diagnosed?
Diagnosing an autoimmune disease involves evaluating symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and analyzing laboratory test results. However, identifying specific autoimmune conditions can be challenging, particularly in the early stages when symptoms and lab results may not be clear or specific. At the Center for Human Reproduction, where autoimmunity significantly impacts female fertility, we conduct comprehensive testing for various autoimmune markers to screen for both clinical and subclinical autoimmunity. While autoimmune diseases are typically chronic, their progression can be unpredictable.
Why Choose CHR for Your Fertility Journey?
When it comes to your fertility journey, choosing the right center can make all the difference. The Center for Human Reproduction has over 30 years of experience, offering personalized, cutting-edge treatments to help you achieve your dream of starting a family. Our team of experts specializes in complex fertility cases, including immune-related infertility, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Take the first step toward your future today—contact CHR in New York, NY to learn how we can support you on your fertility journey.