Why Some Women Reject Their Pregnancies: Immune Causes Of Infertility

Pregnancy is a complex process that results from a coordinated two-way interaction between the maternal immune system and the developing fetus. In most cases, a woman’s immune system ultimately accepts the pregnancy, allowing it to progress normally. However, in some women, this process fails, leading to infertility or recurrentpregnancy loss. The inability to carry a pregnancy to term is often linked toreproductive immunology, specifically, how the immune system influences fertility and overall pregnancy outcomes. Women who experiencefailed pregnancy, recurrent miscarriages, or repeatedIVF failure may be dealing with underlying immune-related issues that are not easily detected through standard fertility tests. In such cases, consulting aninfertility specialist is critical to identifying these hidden causes and exploring advancedfemale infertility treatments tailored to immune dysfunction.

The Role Of The Immune System In Pregnancy

The woman’s immune system plays a critical role in protecting both the mother and the baby from harmful pathogens. However, to support a healthy pregnancy, it must also recognise the embryo as a part of the body rather than a foreign invader. Since the fetus carries genes from both parents, the maternal immune system must adjust to tolerate these paternal antigens to ensure a successful pregnancy. In some cases, when this immune response is disrupted, it may contribute topregnancy loss, highlighting the need for specialisedfemale infertility treatments that address immune-related causes. In a healthy pregnancy, this immune adjustment involves the development of regulatory cells and antibodies that support embryo implantation and fetal development. But when this balance is disrupted, an overly aggressive immune reaction can interfere with implantation or fetal growth. In such cases, working closely with afertility specialist can help identify immune-related causes and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Immunological Causes Of Infertility

Women who suffer from repeatedIVF failure or recurrent miscarriages may be dealing with an immune-related infertility issue. These conditions are often overlooked in standard evaluations, which is why consulting aninfertility specialist is essential when such patterns emerge. Understanding the root immunological causes can help guide targeted treatment.

1. Autoimmune Disorders In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and autoimmune thyroid disease are linked to complications in pregnancy due to inflammation and increased clotting risks. These factors can interfere with implantation or lead to early pregnancy loss.
2. Alloimmune Disorders Alloimmune issues occur when the maternal immune system reacts negatively to the paternal genetic contribution of the fetus. This incompatibility can trigger immune responses against the embryo, potentially disrupting implantation or halting a progressing pregnancy.
3. Overactive Natural Killer (NK) Cells Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of immune cell that helps fight infections. However, in some women, these NK cells become overactive and mistakenly attack the embryo, interfering with implantation. This type of immune imbalance is often studied in the field ofreproductive immunology and may significantly contribute to infertility andIVF failure.
4. Imbalance In Cytokines Cytokines are signaling molecules that regulate immune responses. For pregnancy to proceed normally, there must be a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. When inflammatory cytokines dominate, the uterine environment becomes hostile to implantation, leading tofailed pregnancy and repeated losses.

How LIT Can Help

ImmuLIT® (Lymphocyte Immunotherapy) is recommended for women whose immune systems actively reject pregnancies, often resulting in repeatedpregnancy loss. In simple terms, ImmuLIT® involves introducing the father’s white blood cells into the mother’s body to help her immune system recognise and accept the embryo as part of her own body. Aninfertility specialist may suggest LIT when conventionalfemale infertility treatments have failed to result in a sustained pregnancy. By modulating the maternal immune response, LIT can improve immune tolerance and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy outcome.

Benefits of LIT

Lymphocyte Immunotherapy (LIT) helps the maternal immune system recognise and tolerate the paternal genes in the embryo. This immune modulation leads to several potential benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of immune-mediated pregnancy complications
• Increased chances of successful implantation
• Improved outcomes in women with a history ofrecurrent pregnancy loss

When Is LIT Needed?

Afertility specialist may recommend LIT in the following cases:

• Recurrent pregnancy loss (three or more consecutive miscarriages)
• Repeated implantation failure followingIVF failure
• Unexplainedfailed pregnancy despite high-quality embryos
• Identified immune-related factors contributing to infertility

Experts In Reproductive Immunology

Because of the complexity ofreproductive immunology, effective treatment often requires guidance from an experiencedinfertility specialist.Dr Mohan Raut and Dr Mugdha Raut are renowned experts in diagnosing and managing immune-related causes of infertility. Their deep expertise infemale infertility treatment has helped many women achieve successful pregnancies where conventional approaches had failed.

Diagnosis And Treatment

To determine whether immune-related factors are contributing to infertility, thefertility specialist will typically recommend advanced diagnostic tests such as:

• NK cell activity test
• Cytokine analysis
• Autoimmune panel tests
• Genetic compatibility testing

Based on these results, personalized therapies may be advised, including lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT), immunomodulatory treatment, or other tailored fertility protocols aimed at improving immune tolerance and supporting embryo implantation.

Conclusion

Immune-related infertility is a commonly overlooked cause ofIVF failure,failed pregnancy, andrecurrent pregnancy loss. For many women, understanding the role ofreproductive immunology can open the door to more targeted and effective care. With the right guidance and diagnostics, those affected can improve their chances of a healthy, full-term pregnancy. If you are facing ongoing fertility challenges, consulting a qualifiedinfertility specialist is essential. They can help you explore appropriatefemale infertility treatments that address immune-related factors and support your journey to parenthood.