Conceiving with an autoimmune disorder is possible with the right care

Your immune system’s goal is to protect you. However, if you have an autoimmune disease, it can be overactive and attack your own tissue instead of foreign bodies. These types of conditions range from lupus to rheumatoid arthritis, and they can make it more difficult to welcome a baby. Thankfully, conceiving with an autoimmune disorder is often possible with the right treatments.

Erika Munch MD of our San Antonio infertility center explains how autoimmune disorders can affect fertility and how fertility treatments can help.

How does having an autoimmune disease affect fertility?

Autoimmune disorders are complex, and each one is unique. As a result, each autoimmune condition affects fertility in a different way.

• Sometimes conceiving with an autoimmune disorder is difficult because the immune system attacks the ovaries. This can result in a diminished ovarian reserve (egg supply), which can make it more difficult to become pregnant.
• In other cases, a woman with an autoimmune disorder may be able to conceive. However, her immune system might mistake the growing baby for a foreign body and attack it. This can result in recurrent miscarriage.

Autoimmune disorders can also lead to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or preterm delivery. For these reasons, Dr. Munch recommends working closely with your physician if you want to conceive when you have an autoimmune condition.

What treatments can help with conceiving with an autoimmune disorder?

Typically, Dr. Munch recommends that you first work with your endocrinologist or primary care physician to reach a period of remission with your condition. Once you are in remission, you can pursue fertility treatment at our San Antonio infertility center.

Fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help overcome many barriers to conception. Additionally, donor eggs can be a wonderful option for patients with diminished ovarian reserve.

If you would like to learn more about conceiving with an autoimmune disorder, contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Munch can help you learn more about how to get on the path to parenthood.