HOW AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES AFFECT FERTILITY

14 January 20252′ read2 sections

CONTENTS

How Autoimmune Diseases Affect Fertility
Tips for Managing Autoimmune Diseases in Fertility

Autoimmune diseases can affect reproductive health and fertility, creating problems with both conception and the smooth progression of pregnancy. Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body's own cells, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroiditis, can create inflammation and disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for fertility.

How Autoimmune Diseases Affect Fertility

Hormonal System Disorder: Autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis can affect thyroid hormone levels, disrupting the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Inflammation: Inflammation, a characteristic of most autoimmune diseases, can negatively affect the endometrium, making it difficult for the embryo to implant.

Increased chance of miscarriages: In cases like lupus, women are at increased risk of miscarriage, due to the way the immune system reacts to the normal development of the fetus.

Tips for Managing Autoimmune Diseases in Fertility

- Regular monitoring by specialists: Coordination with a pathologist or endocrinologist is essential to maintain hormone balance and manage the symptoms of autoimmune disease.

- Personalized medication: Proper medication management is essential, especially when planning a pregnancy, to reduce risks to the fetus.

- Advice from a reproductive medicine specialist: Assisted reproduction treatments can be adapted according to the body's needs, for better results.

Managing autoimmune diseases is crucial for supporting fertility and ensuring a safe pregnancy. Proper medical guidance and treatment adjustments can make a difference, providing patients with greater confidence in their reproductive health.

Schedule an appointment at our office so we can discuss how your autoimmune disease may be affecting fertility and find personalized solutions for your health.

TAGSreproductive medicine centreReproductive Healthautoimmune diseases and infertilityfertilityinfertility

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

How Autoimmune Diseases Affect Fertility

Tips for Managing Autoimmune Diseases in Fertility

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?