Fertility and immune response - How are they connected?
By Team on 06 Dec, 2023
The relationship between fertility and the immune response is a complex and multifaceted topic. The immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body against infections and diseases, but it also has implications for reproductive health.
1. Immune Tolerance in Pregnancy:
During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system undergoes changes to accommodate the developing fetus. This is necessary because the fetus carries genetic material from both parents, which is foreign to the mother’s immune system. If the immune system were to mount a strong response against the fetus, it could lead to pregnancy complications or miscarriage. Immune tolerance mechanisms, such as the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and changes in cytokine production help to suppress the immune response to the fetus.
2. Autoimmune Disorders and Fertility:
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues. Some autoimmune conditions can affect fertility by targeting reproductive organs or disrupting hormonal balance. When the immune system perceives the sperm and the fetus as foreign agents, it can make conception impossible by producing antibodies to attack them. This can lead to various fertility problems, such as miscarriages. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or antiphospholipid syndrome may impact fertility and increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
3. Impact of Stress on the Immune System and Fertility:
Chronic stress can influence both the immune system and fertility. Stress hormones may affect reproductive hormones and disrupt the menstrual cycle. It can also contribute to a pro-inflammatory state, which may have implications for fertility. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can impact the function of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells that are found in Uterus. These cells play essential roles in immune responses, and alterations in their function may affect the body’s ability to maintain reproductive health. Stress activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to increased production of stress hormones like cortisol. This can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, affecting the menstrual cycle and ovulation in women and sperm production in men.
How an autoimmune attack on other organs affects fertility?
Autoimmune conditions may lead to menstrual irregularities, including changes in the length and regularity of menstrual cycles.. Autoimmune disorders may interfere with the normal ovulatory process, leading to anovulation (lack of ovulation). Fluctuations in reproductive hormones due to autoimmune activity may contribute to fertility issues. Some autoimmune conditions are associated with an increased risk of recurrent miscarriages.
General Symptoms
Many women who experience infertility may be dealing with an immune disorder but might not be aware of it. There are several symptoms but the most common ones are:
- Muscle and joint pain and tenderness or swelling
- Difficulties in concentrating
- New Allergies
- Digestive issues and Extreme fatigue
- Imbalance in blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Ongoing, or recurrent illnesses
- Changes to the skin; unexplained rashes
Medical preparation and treatments
Including supplements can be a beneficial way to ensure that the body receives essential nutrients to support a robust immune system. Key nutrients may include vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and others known for their immune-boosting properties. It is advised not to wait until pregnancy to start taking prenatal vitamins. Preconception care is crucial, and prenatal vitamins, especially those containing folic acid, can help prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that plays a crucial role in the early development of the neural tube in the fetus. Adequate folic acid intake before conception and during the early weeks of pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Some of the treatment options that may be suggested include In Vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), Use of immunoglobulin therapy and surgical removal of the antibodies.
To conclude, there is much to learn about the intricate interplay between the immune system and fertility. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and individual health status can all contribute to the complexity of this relationship. If individuals are experiencing fertility issues or have concerns about the impact of immune factors on fertility, it’s advisable to consult with fertility specialists and immunologists, for personalized guidance and care.
To conclude, there is much to learn about the intricate interplay between the immune system and fertility. Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and individual health status can all contribute to the complexity of this relationship. If individuals are experiencing fertility issues or have concerns about the impact of immune factors on fertility, it’s advisable to consult with fertility specialists and immunologists, for personalized guidance and care.
