Immunologic Factors
Immunologic Factors can be divided into two main groups effecting fertility. The aim of treatment is to balance regulate the immune system through the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
The first category which makes up the majority of of immune related infertility is where the body creates antibodies that attach to normal cells and cause the body to attack these healthy cells or tissue. The second group is where there is a formation of antibodies to the tissue or semen of the male partner.
The immune system is involved in implantation and early pregnancy in many way which include endometrial receptivity, implantation and trophoblast invasion, and immune system accepting the pregnancy. During implantation and early pregnancy the mother's immune system will become quite enough to allow the embryo to implant. There is a delicate balance within the uterine environment controlling bacterial growth and abnormal cells while allowing an embryonic trophoblast to implant and develop.
- antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
- thrombotic Antibodies
- lupus anticoagulant
- anticardiolipin antibodies
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- cytokines
- premature ovarian failure (POF)
- antisperm antibodies (ASA)
- antiphospholipid syndrome
- natural killer cells
- clotting factors
The focus of treatment is on balancing the immune response so that it does not over act on healthy tissue, and to assist the normal immune suppression that occurs during implantation and early pregnancy.
Do you have more questions? Schedule a time to learn more about how acupuncture can help.
