- What Is Autoimmunity and Immunological Infertility?
- How Is Immune-Related Infertility Treated?
- What Are the Common Causes of Immune-Related Infertility?
- Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
- How Is Immune-Related Infertility Diagnosed?
- Why Choose CHR for Your Fertility Journey?
- Get In Touch
What Is Autoimmunity and Immunological Infertility?
Autoimmunity occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues, leading to a variety of health issues, including infertility. In women, an autoimmune disorder can disrupt the reproductive process, making it difficult to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Conditions like recurrent miscarriages, implantation failures, and low ovarian reserve may all be signs of underlying immunological problems. Immunological infertility refers to fertility challenges caused by an overactive or malfunctioning immune system. A hyperactive immune system might respond aggressively to environmental triggers, such as pollen or certain foods, and in some cases, interfere with pregnancy by targeting reproductive cells or embryos. At the Center for Human Reproduction, Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H. Barad specialize in diagnosing and treating immune-related infertility. With over 30 years of experience, our experts have helped countless women with autoimmune conditions or subclinical immunological issues successfully conceive and deliver healthy babies. Through timely intervention and personalized care, many women facing immunological infertility can still achieve their dream of parenthood. Contact our center in New York, NY today to schedule a consultation.
How Is Immune-Related Infertility Treated?
Autoimmune diseases are often chronic, requiring ongoing care and monitoring, even when patients appear to be in good health. While most autoimmune conditions cannot be cured, proper medical management allows many individuals to lead relatively normal lives. For those dealing with immunological infertility, however, proactive treatment is essential, as autoimmune issues can create significant challenges in both achieving and maintaining a pregnancy.
At CHR, Dr. Gleicher and Dr. Barad take a comprehensive approach to managing immune-related infertility. By addressing immune abnormalities and hyperactive immune systems comprehensively, we aim to support our patients in their journey to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Our proactive treatment protocols, including intralipids, IVIg, and other medications, are tailored to enhance embryo implantation, promote development in the uterus, and reduce the risk of recurrent miscarriages.
What Are the Common Causes of Immune-Related Infertility?
Autoimmune diseases remain some of the least understood conditions, though research suggests that hormones play a significant role. Some autoimmune conditions may improve or worsen during pregnancy, with hormonal changes potentially influencing these fluctuations. Certain autoimmune diseases, like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, have been linked to early menopause. Autoimmune diseases also show strong hereditary patterns, often clustering in families as different conditions. For example, a mother might have lupus, while her daughter has scleroderma, and her grandmother has rheumatoid arthritis. Research is ongoing to better understand the genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that contribute to autoimmune diseases.
Common Examples of Autoimmune Diseases
- Nervous System: Multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune neuropathies, Guillain-Barré
- Gastrointestinal Tract: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune hepatitis
- Hematological System: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia
- Endocrine Glands: Type 1 diabetes, Grave's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune oophoritis/orchitis
- Blood Vessels: Temporal arteritis, vasculitides, Wegener's granulomatosis
- Skin: Psoriasis, vitiligo, dermatitis herpetiformis
- Connective Tissue/Multiple Organs: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome
Center For Human Reproduction Reviews
Great doctor! Very professional, kind but also very delicate. Doctor Barad has always time for patient. He ask a lot before he gives a diagnosis. Highly recommend his experience and his clinic!
Great experience. Staff very kind and explained everything
While I was not successful in conceiving at The Center for Human Reproduction, I would absolutely recommend them. As someone who may be considered a more complex case, CHR gave me hope during a time when I truly needed it most.First and foremost, everyone there is wonderful. Friendly, kind, compassionate, and incredibly supportive. Even the front desk staff greeted us by name almost daily, which made such a difference during an emotional process. Maria and Sonia were especially exceptional, and I am also grateful for Dr. Gleicher. He was realistic while still being compassionate, and I trusted his professional opinion and expertise.The only reason we are no longer with CHR is because we are from Texas, and after spending two months in New York for two IVF cycles, we decided to pursue treatment closer to home.Now that I have experienced another clinic firsthand, I can honestly say the overall experience at CHR is unmatched. The ultrasounds, bloodwork, communication, organization, and cohesive care all felt efficient and personalized.As an out-of-towner, I also appreciated their Upper East Side location. Walking through Central Park after appointments became part of our routine, and somehow made a difficult experience feel a little lighter.I will always be grateful for the care, kindness, and hope CHR gave us.
Professional, knowledgeable and efficient. I would highly recommend this clinic.
Feeling hopeful again post consultation with Dr. Norbert Gleicher!
237
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
How Is Immune-Related Infertility Diagnosed?
Diagnosing an autoimmune disease involves evaluating symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and analyzing laboratory test results. However, identifying specific autoimmune conditions can be challenging, particularly in the early stages when symptoms and lab results may not be clear or specific. At the Center for Human Reproduction, where autoimmunity significantly impacts female fertility, we conduct comprehensive testing for various autoimmune markers to screen for both clinical and subclinical autoimmunity. While autoimmune diseases are typically chronic, their progression can be unpredictable.
Why Choose CHR for Your Fertility Journey?
When it comes to your fertility journey, choosing the right center can make all the difference. The Center for Human Reproduction has over 30 years of experience, offering personalized, cutting-edge treatments to help you achieve your dream of starting a family. Our team of experts specializes in complex fertility cases, including immune-related infertility, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Take the first step toward your future today—contact CHR in New York, NY to learn how we can support you on your fertility journey.