Effective Treatments for Immune-Related Infertility: What Are My Options?

UPDATED ON 04 JUNE 2025

As a reproductive immunology specialist, I understand how overwhelming it can be when you’re navigating repeated pregnancy loss or unexplained infertility.

If you’ve ever been told your immune system might be involved, you’re likely searching for answers—and options that are rooted in science, not guesswork. Let me walk you through what we know, what works, and how we approach this at ImmuRepro, our dedicated reproductive immunology vertical.

AUTHOR

CONDITION

Repeated Miscarriages

Failed IVF Cycles

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Understanding Immune-Related Infertility and Pregnancy Loss

Immune-related infertility and pregnancy loss are often managed similarly because they typically arise from the same underlying cause—an overactive or misdirected immune response that interferes with implantation or the maintenance of pregnancy.

Why Does the Immune System Matter in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is what we call an immunomodulated state. That means your body needs to carefully balance immune tolerance toward the embryo (which is genetically half foreign) while still protecting itself from real threats.

To achieve and sustain pregnancy, we often need to support this immune balance, especially if there’s a history of unexplained miscarriages or failed IVF attempts.

Step One: Rule Out Correctable Causes First

Before we consider immunotherapy, one golden rule applies: a healthy pelvis is essential.

Key Correctable Conditions to Address:

• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Polyps
• Adhesions

In our practice at ImmuRepro, nearly 50% of referred patients present with such correctable issues. Once these are treated, many go on to have successful pregnancies without the need for any immunomodulation.

It’s heartbreaking that across smaller cities, patients are often subjected to ineffective treatments due to a lack of expertise. We’re here to change that.

Step Two: Ensure Embryo Quality

Once the pelvic factors are resolved, the next step is ensuring we’re working with a chromosomally normal (euploid) embryo.

A euploid embryo has the best chance to implant and interact positively with the endometrium. Only after this can we properly assess if immune modulation is needed.

Immunotherapy Options for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

1. Corticosteroids

• Widely available and cost-effective
• Dosage must be personalized
• Usually continued until 12 weeks of gestation

2. Ecosprin (Low-Dose Aspirin)

• Commonly used in India at a 150mg dose
• Helps with immune regulation, even when specific immune markers aren’t testable

3. Intralipid Infusion

• Used to stabilize Natural Killer (NK) cell activity
• Evidence is limited and mixed, so we proceed cautiously

4. IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin)

• Reserved for select cases due to high cost
• May help modulate immune responses when other options have failed

5. Tacrolimus

• A newer agent in reproductive medicine
• Given in collaboration with transplant physicians

Finally, if none of this has worked conclusively for the patient, we can also experiment by giving a therapy called LIT, which is paternal lymphocyte immunisation therapy.

6. LIT (Paternal Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy)

• A controversial and often over-promoted therapy
• Only 10% of patients truly benefit

Unfortunately, LIT has been commercialized irresponsibly by some clinics. At ImmuRepro, we are extremely selective and ethical in recommending it.

Important Considerations Before Starting Treatment

Before initiating any of the above therapies, we always:

• Investigate both partners
• Rule out genetic factors known to contribute to recurrent loss
• Ensure pelvic health and embryo quality are optimal

Only when these steps are complete do we consider immunotherapy.

Final Thoughts: Not Everyone Needs Immunotherapy

Let me be absolutely clear—not every patient needs immune treatment. Out of every 100 patients we assess for recurrent loss or IVF failure, only about 30% genuinely benefit from immunomodulation.

If you’re exploring this journey, know that you’re not alone and that help is available. Our goal isn’t just to offer treatments. It’s to help you understand why things may have gone wrong and what personalized plan gives you the best chance at success.

If you have questions, consult Dr. Jay Mehta, reproductive immunology specialist in India, for a comprehensive evaluation and a treatment approach rooted in science, empathy, and experience.

AUTHOR

CONDITION

Repeated Miscarriages

Failed IVF Cycles

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