By fertility we mean the ability of human beings to reproduce and have direct offspring, children. In order for this to be successful, many factors must be in place for fertility to fulfil its reproductive function. But this is not always the case. Sometimes, there are agents that play a fundamental role and that, if they do not play their role properly, cause difficulties in being fertile or even lead to a state of infertility.
On the occasion of World Fertility Day, today we will learn about the role of autoimmune diseases and their vital role in fertility so that fertility is not impaired.
The immune system, as defined by the World Health Organisation, is the body’s natural ability to defend itself against pathogenic organisms (e.g. viruses or bacteria) and resist infection. It is in its weakest state that allergies, illness, fatigue and a long list of symptoms that can occur when the immune system is not strong.
While an immune deficiency can affect many areas, it also leads to complications in reproductive health.
Autoimmune diseases, a danger to fertility
With a hereditary tendency, autoimmune diseases pose a direct danger to fertility. The immune system’s function is to protect the body against infections. When an autoimmune disease occurs, the system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy cells and tissues. This misguided response leads to rejection of the embryo or to a failure that prevents implantation or normal maintenance of the pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON IMMUNOLOGICAL DISEASES?
A person may have more than one immune disease or disorder. The most common of these diseases include the following:
- Addison’s disease
- Celiac disease (sprue) (gluten enteropathy)
- Dermatomyositis
- Graves’ disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Pernicious anaemia
- Reactive arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
- Diabetes type I
Symptoms of immunological diseases
Although they can be varied and with different intensities depending on the individual, the most common symptoms that can result as an immunological disease are the following:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- General malaise (indisposition)
- Joint pain
- Skin rash
Why might the immune system reject pregnancy?
In the case of the woman, it would be the immune system itself which, not recognising the arrival of the embryo, rejects it, thus activating an inflammatory response that causes damage to the correct implantation of the embryo or causes failures in assisted reproduction treatments.
This natural reaction is due to the fact that the immune tolerance mechanisms recognise this “semi-allogenic graft” as dangerous for the system itself.
Autoimmune disorders during pregnancy
Although it can develop at any time, it is during pregnancy that autoimmune diseases can also proliferate. Some of these disorders, such as Graves’ disease, become more pronounced when a woman is pregnant, complicating or completely eliminating natural fertility.
These antibodies produced by the disorders can even cross the placenta, causing problems for the foetus. The most common disorders during pregnancy are:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (immune thrombocytopenia)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
What is the role of assisted reproduction for people with autoimmune diseases?
When these complications end up making natural pregnancy impossible (e.g. through miscarriages), people turn to assisted reproduction clinics to fulfil their dream of starting a family.
After an evaluation of the immune system, the professionals identify the causes or reasons for the immune disease. From there, they seek a personalised treatment that is tailored to the circumstances in order to achieve pregnancy. A multidisciplinary team is important for a comprehensive approach to the situation. This makes it easier to successfully assess the patient and optimise the chances of pregnancy and minimise risks that would be impossible to achieve without assisted reproduction.
If you have an immune system disorder and, as a result, are having difficulties in achieving pregnancy, do not hesitate to make an appointment with the professionals at Ovoclinic… and fulfil your dream of becoming a mother!
