What are Immunological Fertility Issues?
First we must understand that the immune system is a complex network in the body. The immune system refers to all parts of the body that work to defend it against harmful enemies. In people with immunological fertility problems their body identifies part of reproductive function as an enemy and sends Natural Killer (NK) cells to attack. A healthy immune response would only identify an enemy correctly and attack only foreign invaders such as a virus, parasite, bacteria, ect. In fact immunological fertility issues are so complex that there is really no way for us to cover the entire topic, so I will provide basic information in order to help you learn natural options to help reduce negative immunological response, as well as determine whether you fall under risk factors for testing. This article will provide information on immunological recurrent miscarriage and anti-sperm antibodies, the two most prevalent immune related fertility problems.
First we must understand that the immune system is a complex network in the body. The immune system refers to all parts of the body that work to defend it against harmful enemies. In people with immunological fertility problems their body identifies part of reproductive function as an enemy and sends Natural Killer (NK) cells to attack. A healthy immune response would only identify an enemy correctly and attack only foreign invaders such as a virus, parasite, bacteria, ect. In fact immunological fertility issues are so complex that there is really no way for us to cover the entire topic, so I will provide basic information in order to help you learn natural options to help reduce negative immunological response, as well as determine whether you fall under risk factors for testing. This article will provide information on immunological recurrent miscarriage and anti-sperm antibodies, the two most prevalent immune related fertility problems.
Who is in Need of Immunological Fertility Testing?
People with the following indications may want to consider getting testing by a Reproductive Immunologist. A Reproductive Immunologist differs from a Reproductive Endocrinologist, which most couples are referred to when fertility issues are not determined by an OBGyn, or other doctor. Reproductive Immunologists have the training and skills to determine if there is in fact an immunological response gone awry that is causing difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying to full term.
People with the following indications may want to consider getting testing by a Reproductive Immunologist. A Reproductive Immunologist differs from a Reproductive Endocrinologist, which most couples are referred to when fertility issues are not determined by an OBGyn, or other doctor. Reproductive Immunologists have the training and skills to determine if there is in fact an immunological response gone awry that is causing difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying to full term.
- 2 or more miscarriages after the age of 35
- 2 IVF failures after the age of 35
- 3 miscarriages before the age of 35
- 1 failed IVF before the age of 35
- Poor egg production from a stimulated cycle (6 eggs or less)
- Blighted ovum
- Pre-existing immune problems (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS)
- Unexplained Infertility diagnosis
- Previous pregnancies showing retarded fetal growth
- 1 healthy pregnancy with all subsequent pregnancies ending in miscarriage
- Endometriosis, especially stage 1 & 2
- Cold and flu-like symptoms, sore throat noted regularly after ovulation, IUI, or IVF transfer
- Family history of immune disorders, either side of the family
Immunological Causes of Recurrent Miscarriage
2% of women of reproductive age experience habitual miscarriage .
Problems with Embryo Signaling
Once conception has taken place the developing embryo must signal the mother’s immune cells to recognize it as “self” rather than a foreign invader. The embryo does this by secreting HLA G antigen to signal the mother’s immune cells to allow it to grow and stay. In this case HLA G antigen improperly functions and the mother’s immune cells attack the embryo, eventually resulting in miscarriage. This is considered a HLA G gene mutation. There is testing to determine if this is happening.
Once conception has taken place the developing embryo must signal the mother’s immune cells to recognize it as “self” rather than a foreign invader. The embryo does this by secreting HLA G antigen to signal the mother’s immune cells to allow it to grow and stay. In this case HLA G antigen improperly functions and the mother’s immune cells attack the embryo, eventually resulting in miscarriage. This is considered a HLA G gene mutation. There is testing to determine if this is happening.
Problems with the Mother’s Immune Response to the Embryo
This is when the mother’s immune cells do not respond to the healthy signal of HLA G antigen release. Again, the mother’s immune cells attack the embryo. When an embryo is attacked it is not destroyed, but causes inactivation of the DNA in the embryo so that these cells stop dividing and replicating. The embryo fails to grow and dies. There are a series of blood tests that can be performed to determine which immune cells are malfunctioning.
This is when the mother’s immune cells do not respond to the healthy signal of HLA G antigen release. Again, the mother’s immune cells attack the embryo. When an embryo is attacked it is not destroyed, but causes inactivation of the DNA in the embryo so that these cells stop dividing and replicating. The embryo fails to grow and dies. There are a series of blood tests that can be performed to determine which immune cells are malfunctioning.
Thrombophilia: Blood Clotting Issue
This happens after the mother’s body recognizes the baby as part of herself and the embryo has implanted. The vessels in the placenta take blood and nutrients to the fetus. In cases of blood clotting issue related immunological miscarriage, those vessels clot off, literally starving the embryo of oxygen, blood, and vital nutrients. Blood testing can determine if this is a factor.
This happens after the mother’s body recognizes the baby as part of herself and the embryo has implanted. The vessels in the placenta take blood and nutrients to the fetus. In cases of blood clotting issue related immunological miscarriage, those vessels clot off, literally starving the embryo of oxygen, blood, and vital nutrients. Blood testing can determine if this is a factor.
Antisperm Antibody
In some people semen can cause an immune response in men or women. Antibodies are triggered during the immune response that work to kill off the sperm. High numbers of sperm antibodies can make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and/or fertilize the egg. Antisperm antibodies also may damage sperm that survive, which increases chances of miscarriage.
In some people semen can cause an immune response in men or women. Antibodies are triggered during the immune response that work to kill off the sperm. High numbers of sperm antibodies can make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and/or fertilize the egg. Antisperm antibodies also may damage sperm that survive, which increases chances of miscarriage.
How Does This Happen in Men?
A man’s body may create antisperm antibodies when the sperm come into contact with his immune system cells. This happens when the testicles are injured, after surgery (biopsy, vasectomy), or if the prostate gland has an infection. The testicles protect the sperm from immune cells, when they are damaged they may no longer be able to do that.
A man’s body may create antisperm antibodies when the sperm come into contact with his immune system cells. This happens when the testicles are injured, after surgery (biopsy, vasectomy), or if the prostate gland has an infection. The testicles protect the sperm from immune cells, when they are damaged they may no longer be able to do that.
Over 70% of all men who get a vasectomy will develop antisperm
antibodies. This is something important to consider if there is a
chance of vasectomy reversal in the future. Men who get a vasectomy
reversal in the future may not only suffer from scar tissue damage, but
antisperm antibody infertility. The longer a man waits to get
vasectomy reversal, the more likely there will be damage from antisperm
antibody.
How Does This Happen in Women?
This is very rare, but in some women their bodies have an allergic reaction to her partner’s sperm. This stimulates the immune system to create antisperm antibodies that attack her partner’s sperm. This may also cause her vaginal tissues to react to the semen, which may result in rash, sores, or painful sexual intercourse. Doctors are not sure why this happens.
This is very rare, but in some women their bodies have an allergic reaction to her partner’s sperm. This stimulates the immune system to create antisperm antibodies that attack her partner’s sperm. This may also cause her vaginal tissues to react to the semen, which may result in rash, sores, or painful sexual intercourse. Doctors are not sure why this happens.
Hope for Immune Related Fertility Issues Using Wobenzym N
Immunological Recurrent Miscarriage
In the case of recurrent miscarriage due to immunological response, Systemic Enzyme Therapy has proven effective in treating pregnant mother’s and their babies. Research has shown that the systemic enzyme blend Wobenzym N may effectively help reduce immunological response in a pregnant mother’s body so that she can carry her pregnancy full term. Human trials performed from 1994-1999 have proven Wobenzym N, when used throughout pregnancy stabilizes the mother’s immune system, allowing for a healthy full term pregnancy with no adverse effects to the mother or child.
In the case of recurrent miscarriage due to immunological response, Systemic Enzyme Therapy has proven effective in treating pregnant mother’s and their babies. Research has shown that the systemic enzyme blend Wobenzym N may effectively help reduce immunological response in a pregnant mother’s body so that she can carry her pregnancy full term. Human trials performed from 1994-1999 have proven Wobenzym N, when used throughout pregnancy stabilizes the mother’s immune system, allowing for a healthy full term pregnancy with no adverse effects to the mother or child.
Systemic Enzyme Therapy using systemic enzyme blends are a relatively
inexpensive therapy compared to medications administered by
Reproductive Immunologists. Each bottle of Wobenzym N lasts for a month
and a half when taken at a regular dosage. Average cost for use a year
is $720.00 compared to a minimum average of $12,00.00 a year for immune
suppression therapy administered by a doctor.
If you are interested in Systemic Enzyme Therapy
for immunological induced recurrent miscarriage, please talk to your
doctor. It may be best to begin Systemic Enzyme Therapy while you are
trying to conceive, and then continue on through pregnancy as directed
by your physician.
Antisperm Antibodies in Both Men and Women
Systemic enzyme blends work to stabilize and promote proper function of the immune system. This may greatly help the person who has developed antisperm antibodies to help suppress an attack on sperm, while also working to prevent long term damage to the health of the sperm.
Systemic enzyme blends work to stabilize and promote proper function of the immune system. This may greatly help the person who has developed antisperm antibodies to help suppress an attack on sperm, while also working to prevent long term damage to the health of the sperm.
In the case of vasectomy reversal, Systemic Enzyme Therapy using Wobenzym N may help to reduce scar tissue or adhesion damage from both the vasectomy and vasectomy reversal procedures.
In women use of systemic enzymes in relation to antisperm antibodies
may also reduce pain and inflammation cause from allergic reaction to
the semen.
Supportive Fertility Herbs for Immunological Fertility Problems
Below
are herbs that benefit healthy immune and stress response within the
body, while aiding in proper function of the reproductive system. These
here are Adaptogens. Adaptogen is one of the many definitions for the
therapeutic action a plant has. This term is well known by herbalists,
naturopathic doctors and other alternative medicine practitioners. This
term may not be as well know by medical doctors; so don’t be worried if
your doctor does not know what adaptogen means. Adaptogens increase
resistance to mind-body stress and enhance overall vitality and health
through non-specific adrenal (known as stress glands) support. Plants
recognized as adaptogens help to normalize the bodies functions even
during diseased states, are non-toxic, nutritive, and have been deemed
safe for long term use. If a plant is an adaptogen it may also have
other action classifications such as anti-viral, immunostimulant or
tonic. In general a medicinal herb has many classifications as plants
often have many actions.
Both Shatavari and Dong Quai have been shown to aid directly in
immune related fertility issues. Tribulus has been shown to reduce
antisperm antibodies.
Shatavari
Shatavari may be very helpful with women who have stress related or immune-mediated fertility issues. Autoimmune fertility issues may be helped by proper immunological function supported by Shatavari. This plant has shown to protect the body from stressors. This is very helpful for women with stress induced fertility issues. Shatavari has been shown safe for use by men and women to support healthy fertility.
Shatavari may be very helpful with women who have stress related or immune-mediated fertility issues. Autoimmune fertility issues may be helped by proper immunological function supported by Shatavari. This plant has shown to protect the body from stressors. This is very helpful for women with stress induced fertility issues. Shatavari has been shown safe for use by men and women to support healthy fertility.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai stimulates healthy immune response. Impaired immune function may greatly benefit from Dong Quai because this herb helps support natural, healthy function of the mind, stress response, and immune response. Dong Quai has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects which aids the entire immune system in proper function of immune response, reduces scar tissue formation, and reduces inflammation.
Dong Quai stimulates healthy immune response. Impaired immune function may greatly benefit from Dong Quai because this herb helps support natural, healthy function of the mind, stress response, and immune response. Dong Quai has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects which aids the entire immune system in proper function of immune response, reduces scar tissue formation, and reduces inflammation.
There has been a correlation between immune response and endometriosis in some women. Some research points to women with endometriosis
having some type of autoimmune response that is out of balance. Dong
Quai stimulates phagocytic activity. This stimulation of phagocytic
activity aids in the break down of foreign tissue, while aiding the
entire immune system in healthy immune response, rather than aiding in
the increase of endometrial growth outside of the uterus.
Tribulus Terrestris
A study using Tribulus terrestris showed a 61% increase in conception in couples with sperm antibodies causing their infertility. Tribulus is safe for both men and women to use. This herbal supplement may decrease the effects of sperm antibodies.
A study using Tribulus terrestris showed a 61% increase in conception in couples with sperm antibodies causing their infertility. Tribulus is safe for both men and women to use. This herbal supplement may decrease the effects of sperm antibodies.
Maca
A full immune response to attack a part of the body that is unwanted puts our body in a heightened state of stress. When this happens repeatedly (recurrent miscarriage), or long-term (antisperm antibody) the overall immune function may be lowered. It is important to consider ways to support your overall body’s functions nutritionally. Maca is superior in nutrition compared to most other foods on the planet, this is why it is deemed a superfood. Maca nourishes the endocrine system, aiding both the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. All of these are involved in maintaining hormonal balance, but also are the first to respond to stressors. Supporting the endocrine system helps to maintain proper immunity and stress response as well.
A full immune response to attack a part of the body that is unwanted puts our body in a heightened state of stress. When this happens repeatedly (recurrent miscarriage), or long-term (antisperm antibody) the overall immune function may be lowered. It is important to consider ways to support your overall body’s functions nutritionally. Maca is superior in nutrition compared to most other foods on the planet, this is why it is deemed a superfood. Maca nourishes the endocrine system, aiding both the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. All of these are involved in maintaining hormonal balance, but also are the first to respond to stressors. Supporting the endocrine system helps to maintain proper immunity and stress response as well.
A healthy, well nourished body is more likely to respond better to
trauma, surgery, daily stress, environmental toxin overload, medication
detoxificaton, ect. We must support our bodies not only nutritionally,
but with daily exercise as well. If we do not, our bodies will not be
able to heal as quickly. Doctors are not 100% sure why immune related
fertility issues happen, but they do know there are not that many
effective options in treating them. Let us first consider natural
options in supporting proper function of the body, so that if our bodies
face problems in functioning as they should, the rest of the body is
ready to handle the stress.
References:
1) inciid.org/article.php?cat=immunology&id=522
2) “Simply Complex: The Immune System Reproduction and Making Sense (and
Use) of Science” By Tracy Morris
3) repro-med.net/repro-med-site2/
4) http://hethir.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/WobenzymStudy.pdf
5) wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovasostomy
6) http://natural-fertility-info.com/shatavari-fertility.html
7) wikipedia.org/wiki/Phagocyte
8) Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Aviva Romm, Churchill Livingstone, 2010
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