Your immune system plays a crucial role in keeping you healthy, but did you know it also has a significant impact on fertility? While we often think of the immune system as our defense against infections, its influence extends far beyond that. In fact, a healthy and balanced immune response is essential for successful conception and pregnancy.
In this article, the team from Clinica Tambre explore how your immune system and fertility are connected, and why understanding this relationship can be key to achieving your reproductive goals.
Our immune system is a complex interconnected network of organs, cells and proteins which work together to recognize and eliminate outside invaders such as bacteria, viruses and toxins. Collectively, they help protect our body from any external and/or internal factors that can affect the homeostasis of our body. However, it’s not just about the defending process, our immune system needs to be in the best possible shape so it can help increase our chances of trying to conceive, as it presents a very complex maternal-fetal tolerance mechanism. This article considers the importance of a healthy immune system and its relationship to our fertility process.
There are two main responses in our immune system, one which becomes active at birth and a second, more dynamic which responds to attack by harmful pathogens in a very specific manner.
The innate immunity is effective for our body’s rapid response system. It is present in the skin, the eye’s cornea and the mucous membrane of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. The system forms a barrier to prevent the harmful invaders from damaging our tissues, keeping us healthy.
The second part to our immune system is called acquired or adaptive immunity. It produces very specific and diverse responses and also has a memory feature towards any type of pathogen, so with the next encounter the response would be more efficient and rapid in eliminating the microorganism.
How does our immune system affect our fertility?
The relationship between a woman’s reproductive system and her immune system is a complex one and has been subject to extensive research. The basic conundrum lies with our immune system which is focussed on defeating foreign aggression. After conception any resulting embryo is made up of at least half foreign genetic material. The immune system must react to this change by continuing to defend against infections but not to the extent where it harms or stops the embryo developing. Early pregnancy therefore is a risky period where our immune system has to act pretty smartly.
Some women experience issues with immune cells which impede their ability to conceive or result in miscarriage or IVF failure. It is important therefore for anyone trying to conceive that their immune system is as healthy as it can be and there are a number of things that you can do to help this. These include,
Eat Well
Forget fad diets and concentrate on what you eat. Reducing those carbs and choosing greens and lean protein can help boost your immunity.
Alcohol and smoking
Stopping or at least moderating drinking and smoking habits will increase your general health and contribute to strengthening the function of immune cells. Whilst we are talking drink, make sure you keep topped up with plain old water which will flush out unhealthy toxins and keep your immune system healthy.
BMI
Aim for the middle, a ‘normal’ BMI range is between 20 and 25 and don’t forget your immune system can be affected just as much if you are overweight or underweight!
A little boost
A healthy food regime should be rich in nutrients that support your immune system and hormonal balance, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants. If you struggle to maintain this, why not consider taking supplements which are a safe and cost effective way of topping up your immune system.
Sensible Exercise
Exercise in moderation is great for your all round physical and mental health. There is no need to punish yourself in the gym; walk or cycle instead of taking the car, a little exercise can go a long way in boosting your immune system! Don’t forget, rest is as effective as exercise for our immune system – make sure you get the right amount of sleep that your body requires – it will thank you in the long run!
Stay calm and carry on
Stress negatively affects your hormones which negatively affects your immunity. Eating well and exercising can contribute to lowering stress levels and promoting a greater quality of life.
Test your hormones
Hormones have a powerful influence on the immune system. Imbalances can impair immune function, leaving people more prone to infection. Hormone testing is therefore a crucial tool for staying healthy, maintaining your immune system and promoting fertility health.
The Tambre Commitment
At Tambre, we are committed to undertaking continuous research into the way that immunology (the study of our immune system) affects the chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy. This is why we were the first Spanish assisted reproduction clinic to establish a dedicated Reproductive Immunology Unit. This service, led by Dr Sergiu Padure, provides a key role in investigating the reasons behind implantation failures.
Our Unit is able to thoroughly investigate each case in which there appears to be an immunological issues. These include factors related to primary infertility, implantation failure after IVF, recurrent miscarriages, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. In most cases we find an effective treatment which increases the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
Contact us to learn more about our specialised immunology unit and how it could help you realise your dream of parenthood.
Dr Sergiu Padure, Inmunologist Clinica Tambre
Read more from the team at Clinica Tambre:
Clinica Tambre explain the different sperm deficiencies and how they are treated
Why am I not getting pregnant? Here Are Ten Possible Reasons
Male Fertility 101 – Tips, Treatments, and Lifestyle for Optimal Reproductive Health
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