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.