Autoimmune fertility issues are ones I frequently see in my acupuncture practice. In fact: the creation of this blog series comes from the profound inspiration of my many patients with these challenges. These are women who are seek to understand their bodies, strive to become pregnant, and have happy, healthy babies.
My name is Karen Reynolds. I am an RN with 29-years’ experience as a critical care nurse and 17 years as an acupuncturist specializing in women’s health and complex fertility issues.
Welcome to my 8-part blog series
Learn More About Autoimmune Fertility,
Acupuncture helps regulate inflammation seen with autoimmune issues.
Genetics & What You Can Do!
I have gathered research on 8 different topics which involve autoimmune fertility. I will present over the next 8 weeks. Each topic will have
2 dedicated blogs posts each week. The first will discuss the medical pattern, signs or symptoms often seen with the pattern, and testing for it. The second blog will address how you can be proactive about your fertility related to the specific topic.
Enhancing your fertility, ability to get pregnant and carry to term.
Though medical opinions differ, new research is repeatedly showing that genetic variables and autoimmune patterns directly impact a woman’s ability to become pregnant, avoid miscarriages, and carry to term.1 One good thing about living in our high-tech age, is that testing is available to see if you have genetic variations or autoimmune related substances (antibodies) in your system.
As an introduction to this blog series focusing upon autoimmune and genetic factors and your fertility, below are indications which might prompt you to discuss testing with your doctor.
Doctors specializing in autoimmune issues recommend immunological reproductive testing for a history of any of these alone or in combination:
- 2 Miscarriages after the age of 35.
- 2 IVF failed cycles after the age of 35.
- Less than 6 eggs produced in a fertility stimulated cycle.
- Infertility of unknown origin, also known as idiopathic infertility
- Known immune related medical diagnoses i.e.: Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, positive Antinuclear antibody tests (ANA)
- History of pregnancy showing retarded fetal growth.
- One living child followed by miscarriages with attempts to have a second child.
- History of blighted eggs, also known an anembryonic pregnancy. (This occurs when an egg fertilizes and attaches to the uterine wall, but does not grow.)
1Li, Y., Wang, Y., Ma, Y., Lan, Y., Jia, C., Liang, Y., Wang, S. (2015). Investigation of the impact of antinuclear antibody on the outcome of in vitro fertilizations/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. The Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 54, 742-748. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tog.2015.09.001
Thank you for reading about autoimmune fertility. Stay tuned for the 8 Part blogs series starting THIS week!
- Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
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Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health
All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.
For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.
Be well!
~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc
Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.
