What Are Autoimmune Diseases and How Do They Develop
Autoimmune disease refers to the condition when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks one’s healthy cells, tissues and organs.
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Autoimmune Diseases
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not clear. It is believed there may be a genetic predilection to autoimmunity in some people. Other reasons or factors that can trigger autoimmune diseases are infections caused by certain bacteria or viruses. Also, certain chemicals and environmental irritants etc. may trigger autoimmunity.
How Autoimmune Diseases Impact Male and Female Fertility
Autoimmune disorders may affect reproductive organs including ovaries or lining of the womb (endometrium) in women and testes in men.In women with autoimmune disease effecting ovaries, ovarian reserve (quantity and quality of eggs at any given age) can get prematurely reduced. Therefore, it could shorten the reproductive lifespan of those women. Similarly, the sperm count can prematurely get reduced in men.
Autoimmune conditions, including diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus etc., are common examples and are associated with reduced fertility.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Infertility Linked to Autoimmune Diseases
The definite causes of autoimmune diseases are unknown; hence there is a lack of specific treatment for various conditions. It is important that the autoimmune condition is diagnosed, well managed and the condition is stable before fertility treatment, for best outcomes. Specialist opinion from a fertility doctor and a rheumatologist can guide individuals with autoimmune disease during their journey of trying to conceive. At ART Fertility Clinics, our expert doctors have good understanding and treat infertility in close collaboration with the rheumatologists/specialist physicians.
Summary of Key Points on Autoimmune Diseases and Fertility
Autoimmune diseases can make immune system attack and damage body’s own organs, including reproductive organs. This can lead to difficulty in conceiving. Timely diagnosis and management, before fertility treatments will improve your chances of having a successful treatment and pregnancy.
