In the busy urban life, many people face the distress of infertility, longing to have their own children but unable to fulfill their wishes for various reasons. Among them, immunological infertility is a relatively common cause, acting like an invisible curse that plunges many families into pain and despair. However, with the continuous development of medical technology, in vitro fertilization (IVF) brings new hope to these families. It not only overcomes the barriers created by the immune system but also allows those once deemed “infertile” to realize their dream of conceiving.

What is immunological infertility?

Immunological infertility refers to a type of infertility where the body’s immune system reacts adversely to sperm or embryos, leading to difficulties in conception. The immune system plays a crucial protective role in the human body, identifying and eliminating foreign pathogens to maintain overall health. However, sometimes the immune system’s response is too strong, treating sperm or embryos as threats to health, triggering rejection reactions. This rejection reaction can prevent sperm from entering the egg normally or hinder the embryo from implanting smoothly in the uterus, possibly preventing the embryo from developing to maturity. Therefore, immunological infertility is a complex form of infertility that requires in-depth research and treatment tailored to individual cases. The common reasons include:

1. Anti-sperm antibodies

When the female reproductive organs suffer from inflammation, damage, or local sperm leakage, the immune system may attack them as foreign substances, preventing normal fertilization. Additionally, if a woman has sperm allergies, it may generate anti-sperm antibodies, further impacting fertility. Sperm allergy is a complex issue, and once a woman develops anti-sperm antibodies, it can easily lead to immunological infertility. This has a significant impact on expectant mothers, requiring timely treatment. In addition to conventional treatments, prospective mothers may also consider assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF to increase the chances of successful conception.

2. Anti-endometrial antibodies

The endometrium is a crucial site for embryo implantation, and immune cells play a vital defense role in the endometrial lining. Under normal circumstances, immune cells in the endometrium can recognize and eliminate harmful substances, creating a favorable environment for embryo implantation. However, if there are abnormalities in the immune cells within the endometrium, they may perceive the embryo as a threat and attack it, leading to difficulties in embryo implantation and, consequently, female infertility.

3. Anti-ovarian antibodies

The female reproductive tract is a complex and sensitive environment, where eggs, hormones, and certain secretions play a crucial role in maintaining reproductive health. However, when these substances leak into the reproductive tract, they may trigger an immune response. This response is a natural defense mechanism aimed at clearing foreign substances or abnormal cells. However, in some cases, the immune system may perceive eggs as threats and produce antibodies to attack them. These antibodies can interfere with the normal development of eggs, leading to difficulties or infertility in conception.