Autoimmune disorders affect millions of women worldwide, often in the prime of their reproductive years. While much attention is given to the more overt symptoms—fatigue, joint pain, or skin conditions—the silent impact on fertility is often overlooked. For women trying to conceive, understanding how these disorders influence reproductive health is crucial. In this in-depth post, we explore how autoimmune disorders affect female fertility, the science behind these effects, and how you can take charge of your reproductive journey—even if you’re navigating an autoimmune diagnosis.
If you’re struggling with fertility due to autoimmune issues and looking for expert guidance, consulting the best IVF doctor in Delhi could make all the difference in your journey to parenthood.
When the immune system targets body tissues by mistake, autoimmune diseases can occur. The immune system attacks healthy cells instead of fighting infections. It misinterprets them as threats. Over 80 autoimmune diseases are known, including the following:
What are autoimmune disorders?
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Hashimoto Thyroiditis
- Graves’ Disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
The reproductive system is not immune to these conditions. Many autoimmune diseases in women interfere with ovulation and hormone regulation.
The link between autoimmunity, female fertility and autoimmunity
1. Disruption in Hormonal Balance
Hormones are essential in controlling a woman’s cycle, her ability to conceive, and even her ovulation. Autoimmune diseases can upset these processes.
- Thyroid Autoimmunity can cause hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. These imbalances can lead to irregular menstrual periods, anovulation (a lack of ovulation) and early miscarriages.
- The key to successful fertility treatment is proper hormonal regulation. The best IVF doctors in Delhi always test and address hormonal issues before beginning assisted reproductive technology (ART).
2. Oophoritis (Immune Attack on Ovarian Tissue)
Some autoimmune diseases directly target the ovaries. This condition is called autoimmune oophoritis and leads to:
- Ovarian follicles inflamed and damaged
- Reduced ovarian reserves
- Menopause premature (before age 40)
This condition can cause irregular periods, infertility, and difficulty conceiving. If diagnosed early, egg freezing under the guidance and care of the best IVF doctor in Delhi can be an effective proactive measure.
3. Endometrial Receptivity Issues and Implantation Issues
A fertilized egg has to implant in a healthy uterine wall for pregnancy to happen. Autoimmune conditions can:
- Endometrial inflammation can be chronic
- Antibodies that inhibit embryo implantation
- Risk of repeated failures in IVF cycles
Women with endometriosis–another condition linked with autoimmunity–also often experience poor endometrial receptivity. Treatments that focus on hormonal balance and immune modulation are frequently recommended.
4. Autoantibodies in Pregnancy Loss
Recurrent miscarriage is one of the most devastating effects of autoimmune disorders during pregnancy. Antiphospholipid antibodies, or autoantibodies (APAs), are a type of antibody that can cause:
- Blood clots can form in the placental vessels
- Reduce the oxygen and nutrient flow to the fetus
- Prevent pregnancy loss, stillbirth or preeclampsia
Women with Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have a higher risk. In order to improve the outcome of women who have a recurrent loss of pregnancy, IVF clinics often perform advanced tests on autoimmune markers. This is especially true for those that are led by the best IVF doctor in Delhi.
History and Clinical Perspective
In the past, autoimmune disorders were not well understood and their relationship to fertility problems was not taken into consideration. Researchers began studying reproductive outcomes of women with autoimmune disease only in the late 20th Century.
- Lupus and Fertility It was believed for a long time that lupus sufferers were infertile. We now know that SLE can cause reproductive problems, but many women are able to conceive if they receive the right treatment.
- Thyroid autoimmunity : In the 1990s, it was discovered that thyroid dysfunction even in subclinical form can negatively affect fertility and pregnancy.
- Autoimmunity and ART: Many modern IVF protocols include immunomodulatory treatment (such as low-dose steroids, intralipids or intralipids).
These developments highlight the importance of specialized treatment. A fertility specialist, such as the best IVF doctor Delhi, can tailor treatment to each woman’s autoimmune profile.
Common Autoimmune Diseases that Affect Fertility
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Inflammation affects ovaries and uterus as well as the placenta
- It can cause irregular periods, miscarriage and preeclampsia
- Ovulation can be affected by immunosuppressive drugs
Hashimoto Thyroiditis
- Hypothyroidism is most common in women
- This leads to irregular cycles, ovulation problems and other issues
- Risk of miscarriage, infertility and other problems increases
Graves’ Disease
- Hyperthyroidism causes
- Menstrual cycle disruption and ovulation
- Treatment can temporarily suppress fertility
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Chronic inflammation can affect ovarian function
- Some medications can be teratogenic, meaning they are harmful to the unborn child.
Type 1 diabetes
- Menstrual irregularity is affected by poor glycemic control
- Risk of complications during pregnancy
- Requires strict glucose management during IVF and pregnancy
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
- Preeclampsia and pregnancy loss are directly linked
- Blood-thinning medication during pregnancy
- Immune support for IVF may improve success
Diagnosis & Treatment
Women with Autoimmune Diseases: Key Tests
- Antimullerian Hormone : Measures for ovarian reserve
- Thyroid panel (TSH T3, T4, anti TPO antibodies)
- Lupus Anticoagulant & Anticardiolipin Antibodies
- ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)
- Hba1c and blood sugar levels (for women with diabetes)
These tests will be used by a fertility specialist to create a plan. The top IVF doctor in Delhi often works with immunologists and endocrine specialists to provide a multidisciplinary care approach.
Fertility Treatment Options
- Lifestyle and Diet Adjustments
- Anti-inflammatory diets
- Stress Reduction
- Supplements (e.g. CoQ10 Vitamin D Omega-3s
- Ovulation Induction
- Ideal for mild hormonal imbalances
- Autoimmunity can be severe and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- The best choice for a reduced ovarian reserves, APS or endometrial problems
- Aspirin or heparin may be included in the protocol.
- Fertility Preservation
- Before starting any treatment that could affect the ovaries, freeze your eggs or embryos
Finding the top IVF doctor in Delhi can be crucial when you are navigating autoimmune challenges. The right fertility specialist will personalise protocols and monitor autoimmune markers to guide you safely towards pregnancy.
Real Stories: The Struggle is Strength
Women who suffer from autoimmune diseases often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. There is still hope.
- Neha had suffered three miscarriages in her 32-year-old Hashimoto’s patient before she visited a fertility clinic. She had a healthy baby girl after two IVF cycles and thyroid normalisation.
- Priya was diagnosed with Lupus and froze her ovaries before beginning immunosuppressive treatment. She used these eggs two years later to conceive via IVF.
Here are a few examples to show what is possible when women take charge of their own lives and receive expert support.
Knowledge is Power
This connection between autoimmune disorders and fertility is not well-known. The impact of hormone disruption, implantation problems and miscarriage risks is real but manageable.
Women with autoimmune disease can conceive with the proper medical support. Don’t hesitate to consult an expert, whether you are planning ahead or currently navigating infertility. Choose a specialist with knowledge of both reproductive and immune science.
Consult the top IVF doctor in Delhi if you want to be in control of your fertility journey. Expertise and personalised protocols can make a huge difference. Call us 8700101689