Autoimmune diseases can result in difficulty conceiving, and even in recurrent pregnancy loss. Having any autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or Type I diabetes, generally increases your risk for infertility. Our fertility center in San Antonio can evaluate the link between autoimmune diseases and infertility, and can create a treatment plan to help women achieve pregnancy.
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system perceives your tissues or cell(s) as foreign or abnormal. The white blood cells in your circulation then attack these tissues, causing inflammation and damage. This damage causes the tissues to function abnormally, producing symptoms.
Autoimmune diseases and infertility are linked because these disorders can affect the thyroid gland, the joints, and even the ovaries. An autoimmune attack on the ovaries can reduce your ovarian reserve (i.e., lower the number of eggs remaining in your ovaries). Diminished ovarian reserve results in infertility and early menopause.
Do I need to be tested for autoimmune diseases and infertility?
If you are struggling with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, your doctor will take a thorough medical history to see if you may need to be evaluated for autoimmune diseases and infertility.
Decreased ovarian reserve – All women who have infertility should have their ovarian reserve tested. Initially, two hormone levels will be evaluated: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone). If these levels are abnormal for your age, you have diminished ovarian reserve. When severe and unrelated to age, this condition could have an autoimmune cause.
Thyroid disease – Autoimmune thyroid disease is common in women. We know that even mild thyroid disease can reduce pregnancy rates and increase miscarriage risk. Thyroid disease should be ruled out in all women with infertility, and women with thyroid disease should have their thyroid function in good shape for optimal pregnancy outcomes.
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome – Women with a history of recurrent miscarriage or second/third trimester losses may need to be tested for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced against one of the components of placental tissue, increasing the risk of blood clots within the placenta and other pregnancy complications.
Can autoimmune diseases be treated?
If you are diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, treatment of the specific disease should be started. Getting the autoimmune disease under control can improve fertility outcomes. Other treatments may be required to improve the chance of pregnancy and/or lower the risk of miscarriage when dealing with autoimmune diseases and infertility. Contact our fertility center San Antonio for diagnosis and treatment.