Fertility Under Fire: How Inflammation Impacts Reproduction and Ways to Fight Back

What do you think of when you hear the term “inflammation”? Perhaps you haven’t thought about it in terms of your fertility. Inflammation is a natural part of the body's immune system. It responds to injury or infection and also plays an essential role in folliculogenesis (egg development), ovulation, and embryo implantation. While a certain level of inflammation is necessary for these reproductive functions, chronic low-grade inflammation may have negative effects on fertility. This article explores the impact of chronic inflammation on fertility, associated diseases, biomarkers to assess inflammation, and how addressing underlying causes to inflammation is an important step to improve not only your overall health, but fertility as well.

The Impact of Inflammation on Fertility

There is a delicate balance of the immune system necessary for reproduction. It is an orchestra between pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules that play a critical role in folliculogenesis (egg development), ovulation, and embryo implantation. However, chronic low-grade inflammation affects 20 to 40% of women of reproductive age and disrupts this delicate balance essential for successful reproduction.

Chronic inflammation is associated with:

• Reduced ovulation
• Reduced number and quality of eggs
• Decrease in embryo quality
• Lower pregnancy rates with IVF
• Increase in early pregnancy loss
• Lower live birth rate

Common Diseases Associated with Inflammation that Impact Fertility

When we think about disease, we often focus on the symptoms instead of exploring the root causes. Inflammation, a key player in many diseases, is driven by various factors. By identifying and addressing these causes, we can take proactive steps to reduce inflammation and even slow or reverse the course of disease.

There are several chronic conditions linked to infertility that are associated with low-grade inflammation. Changes in inflammatory signals can even disrupt hormones leading to “hormone resistance”, or lack of response to hormones by the body. This is seen with progesterone resistance in conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS.  (MacLean, 2022)

Chronic diseases associated with low-grade inflammation and infertility:

• Obesity

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• Endometriosis/adenomyosis
• Endometritis
• Autoimmune disease (lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, celiac disease)

Other Factors that Impact Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can be a consequence of many triggers. It is important to unveil these triggers to address the underlying cause and promote long-term health. Key triggers of inflammation may include:

• Unhealthy diet
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Medications
• Dysbiosis
• Chronic infections
• Lack of exercise
• Sleep disruption
• Psychological stress
• Genetic predispositions
• Environmental chemicals

Can You Test for Chronic Inflammation?

A deep dive into your health history, symptoms, lifestyle habits, diet, and test results help to uncover underlying factors, like inflammation, that may be driving chronic disease and infertility.

Here are some common laboratory tests that can detect inflammation or identify conditions that may be contributing to chronic low-grade inflammation:

• Complete Blood Counts (CBC)
• White Blood Cells Count (WBC)
• Inflammatory Markers (E.G., CRP, ESR)
• Total Cholesterol and HDL
• HbA1C, fasting glucose, fasting insulin
• Homocysteine
• DHEA-S
• Ferritin

Personalized Approach to Your Fertility

Once the root causes behind your symptoms or fertility challenges are uncovered, the next step is how to address them. Here are some powerful strategies to help reduce inflammation:

• Dietary Changes - include whole foods, rich with fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Be sure to limit overly processed foods and sugars.
• Stress Management – incorporate daily stress management strategies, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. This of this as time for self-care, helping the body to come down from the daily triggers of stress.
• Exercise Regularly – do some type of movement daily, such as walking, yoga or a quick workout.
• Weight Management - achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Supplements – vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are commonly used to reduce inflammation. Be sure to consult with a naturopathic doctor for the right treatment options for you and to be sure they are safe, at the right dose and do not interact with your medication.
• Acupuncture – weekly acupuncture can be an effective way to reduce stress hormones and levels of inflammatory markers

Chronic low-grade inflammation can be a hidden barrier to fertility, quietly affecting reproductive health and making conception more challenging. Understanding its role is key to tackling the underlying issues that might be standing in the way. While more research is needed to confirm how inflammation markers predict fertility treatment outcomes in IVF, there are proactive steps you can take now to reduce inflammation, boost your overall health, and enhance your fertility potential.

Health is a journey - I'm here to provide guidance and insight one step at a time 

Best!

Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND

Interested in assessing your level of inflammation? Book a discovery call to see how I can help! Book HERE

References:

1. James A MacLean II, Hayashi K. Progesterone Actions and Resistance in Gynecological Disorders. Cells. 2022;11(4):647.
2. Zhang H, Li X, Zhang F, et al. Serum C-reactive protein levels are associated with clinical pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization among normal-weight women. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023;14.
3. Brouillet S, Boursier G, Anav M, et al. C-reactive protein and ART outcomes: a systematic review. Human Reproduction Update. 2020;26(5):753-773.
4. Gavrizi SZ, Arya S, Peck JD, et al. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and pregnancy outcomes in women with unexplained infertility after ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination in a multicenter trial. F S Rep. 2022;3(1):57-62.