Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people around the world, and a large proportion of them are women of reproductive age. When the body mistakenly attacks itself, it can lead to complications in various systems, including the reproductive system. For those who wish to have a baby, receiving a diagnosis of lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or antiphospholipid syndrome can cause fear, uncertainty, and many questions. However, today there are real, safe, and personalized options to achieve pregnancy, even in these contexts. In this article, we explore how these conditions affect fertility and what types of treatments Ingenes offers for each case.
How Do Autoimmune Diseases Affect Fertility?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s own tissues as foreign and attacks them. Depending on the organ or system affected, the impact on fertility can vary. Some examples include:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): can affect the circulatory system, kidneys, and cause chronic inflammation. In women, it is associated with menstrual irregularities, implantation issues, and increased risk of pregnancy loss.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: while it does not directly affect the reproductive system, it can alter ovulation or cause complications during pregnancy if not properly controlled
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: an autoimmune thyroid dysfunction that affects the hormones necessary for ovulation and maintaining pregnancy.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS): produces antibodies that affect blood clotting and is associated with recurrent miscarriages, preeclampsia, or restricted fetal growth.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): although it does not directly reduce fertility, it may involve treatments or medications that alter the menstrual cycle or pose risks during pregnancy.
Each diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation and, most importantly, that the disease is under control before starting assisted reproduction treatment.
The First Step: Ensuring the Autoimmune Disease Is Under Control
At Ingenes, we can help you achieve pregnancy when your condition is stabilized and under the care of your medical specialist. Trying to conceive during an active flare-up can put both mother and baby at risk, which is why we always recommend having the authorization and support of your rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or other treating specialist before starting any procedure.
Our commitment is to offer you a personalized fertility treatment, tailored to your overall health status and focused on giving you the best chance at a successful and safe pregnancy.
Fertility Treatment Options Depending on the Case
1. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Treatments (COS)
For women with good ovarian reserve and well-managed autoimmune diseases, treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with ovarian stimulation may be appropriate. These treatments allow the selection of the best eggs and embryos, reducing exposure to immunological stress and increasing the chances of success.
2. Use of Immunomodulators and Anticoagulants
In cases such as APS or lupus, it is common for patients to use immunomodulatory or anticoagulant medications under medical supervision. If this is your case, at Ingenes we work by considering your current treatment and safely adapt the fertility protocol, as long as you have the approval of your treating specialist.
3. Egg or Embryo Vitrification
For those who cannot pursue pregnancy immediately due to active flare-ups, aggressive treatments (such as strong immunosuppressants), or the desire to postpone motherhood, fertility preservation is an excellent alternative. Vitrification allows eggs or embryos to be stored at their best reproductive moment for future use when the disease is under control.
4. IVF with Egg Donation
When the disease or medical treatment has compromised the quality or quantity of eggs, IVF with egg donation becomes a viable option. In these cases, eggs from a previously selected young donor are used, and the embryo is transferred to the patient’s uterus.
5. Emotional Support and Close Monitoring
We cannot ignore the emotional impact of both an autoimmune diagnosis and infertility. Therapeutic support during treatment improves not only general well-being but also treatment adherence and outcomes. At Ingenes, this support is included in all our programs.
Maternal and Obstetric Safety: Key to Success
Once pregnancy is achieved, follow-up should continue with your regular medical team and, if needed, with maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Some applicable strategies include:
- Frequent evaluation of fetal growth
- Monitoring of specific antibodies
- Placental function assessments
- Medication adjustments by trimester
At Ingenes, we support you during this stage from the assisted reproduction side, working closely with you and using the information your treating physician provides to protect your well-being and your baby’s.
Having an Autoimmune Disease Doesn’t Exclude You from Becoming a Mom
Having an autoimmune disease no longer means closing the door on the dream of having a child. Thanks to advances in reproductive medicine, successful pregnancies are now possible with personalized treatments, emotional support, and continuous monitoring. The most important thing is not to delay your consultation.
At Ingenes, we have over 20 years of experience helping women with complex conditions achieve what they most desire: having a baby. If this is your case, we are ready to support you with a plan tailored to you, your health, and your timing.
