Immune System and Infertility: Signs, Testing, and Treatment

When you're trying to conceive and things aren't going as planned, it's natural to wonder why. For some, the reason may lie not in the reproductive organs themselves, but in an unexpected place: the immune system.

While the immune system is designed to protect the body from illness, infections, and disease, it's possible for this powerful defense mechanism to become too aggressive, especially when it comes to pregnancy. In some cases, an overactive or misdirected immune response can interfere with implantation, early embryo development, or the ability to maintain a pregnancy.

This phenomenon is known as immune-related infertility, and though still being studied, it’s an area that many fertility experts are watching closely.

How Does the Immune System Affect Fertility?

A healthy immune system protects your body from threats. But during pregnancy, the immune system faces a unique challenge: accepting an embryo that is genetically distinct from the mother. If this immune balance is disrupted, the body may respond as if the embryo is a foreign invader.

This can result in:

• Failed embryo implantation
• Early pregnancy loss
• Chronic uterine inflammation

While immune-based infertility is still a developing area of research, growing evidence suggests it plays a role in some cases of unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and failed IVF cycles.

What Are the Signs of Immune-Related Infertility?

While there is no single test for immune infertility, several signs may prompt your doctor to explore it as a possible cause.

1. Have You Had Two or More Miscarriages?

If you’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, especially in the first trimester, your provider may look for:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
• Elevated natural killer (NK) cells
• Thyroid autoimmunity

These immune issues may trigger inflammation or blood clotting that compromises pregnancy.

2. Have You Had Multiple Failed IVF Transfers with Good Embryos?

If you’ve had high-quality embryos that failed to implant, immune dysfunction could be impacting uterine receptivity.

3. Have You Been Diagnosed with an Autoimmune Condition?

Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis may be linked to increased inflammation or abnormal immune activity during pregnancy.

What Immune Conditions Are Linked to Fertility Struggles?

While research is ongoing, some immune-related conditions that may affect fertility include:

• Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) - Can increase risk of blood clots and miscarriage.
• Thyroid Autoimmunity - Even with normal thyroid hormone levels, antibodies like TPO or TGAb may affect pregnancy outcomes.
• Elevated Natural Killer (NK) Cells - Believed by some to interfere with implantation or attack the developing embryo.
• Chronic Endometritis - A low-grade inflammation of the uterine lining that may impair embryo implantation.

What Tests Might a Fertility Specialist Recommend?

If your fertility doctor suspects an immune component, they may recommend specialized tests such as:

• Antiphospholipid antibody panels
• Thyroid antibody tests
• Natural killer (NK) cell testing (though not widely standardized)
• Endometrial biopsy to check for chronic inflammation

It’s important to note that these tests are not routinely performed for all fertility patients, and not all providers offer them. Some treatments derived from these results, such as immunosuppressive therapy, are still considered experimental.

What Treatments Are Available for Immune-Based Infertility?

Depending on your results and diagnosis, treatments may include:

• Low-dose steroids to reduce immune activity
• Intralipid or IVIG infusions to regulate immune response
• Aspirin or Lovenox to improve blood flow and reduce clotting risks
• Thyroid management for those with autoimmune thyroid markers

Treatment plans vary based on individual history, test results, and overall health.

When Should You See a Fertility Specialist in Florida?

If you’ve experienced multiple pregnancy losses, failed IVF cycles, or ongoing unexplained infertility, it may be time to consider whether your immune system could be affecting your chances of conception. While immune-related infertility is still being studied, research continues to suggest that autoimmune conditions and inflammation may play a meaningful role in certain fertility challenges.

At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we understand that conception and pregnancy are complex immunological processes. In individuals with autoimmune disorders or hyperactive immune responses, inflammation can impact ovarian reserve, embryo implantation, and overall reproductive health. That’s why we take a proactive approach to fertility care.

Our fertility team offers customized treatment plans for patients with suspected or diagnosed immune-related infertility. Depending on your condition, care may include:

• Targeted immunotherapy using IVIg or intralipid infusions
• Medications to reduce autoimmune-related inflammation
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to support a successful pregnancy

With the right care, many of our patients with autoimmune disorders or immune dysfunction have gone on to conceive and deliver healthy babies. If you're ready for answers and a plan built around your body, we’re here to help.

Learn more about how we evaluate and treat immune-related infertility by calling (888) 819-5177 or scheduling a consultation in Palm Beach through our web form.