Reproductive immunology

A decision to go ahead with assisted conception for any couple is a difficult one, made harder by the psychological stress that inevitably accompanies it. A failed IVF cycle or an early miscarriage can be particularly distressing.

Reproductive immunology is the theory that a fetus is rejected by the body due to immune cells in the body. It’s thought that natural killer cells, which help to keep the body from developing cancer, can over-populate the uterus or exist at excessive levels within the blood stream. These cells then go overboard, attacking the embryo or interfering with the endocrine system that produces the hormones that are essential for pregnancy.

There is currently much ongoing debate going on in the scientific community about the role of the immune system in promoting or preventing a healthy pregnancy. The late Dr Alan E. Beer is widely credited to be a pioneer in the field of reproductive immunology. He believed it is not simply due to bad luck that some women fail to conceive or have repeated miscarriage.

At The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy we have the experience to minimise recurrent miscarriage and IVF failure by investigating the immune system with immune testing and offering immune treatments tailored to your individual situation. Learn more about the treatment process.

Dr Gorgy is certified as a diplomate in Clinical Reproductive Immunology with the American Society For Reproductive Immunology. You can view his certification here.