Conception

Reproductive immunology is an area of interest in reproductive medicine that aims to help individuals or couples achieve successful pregnancy outcomes when trying to conceive. Understanding reproductive immunology includes learning how the immune system affects human reproduction, what a reproductive immunologist does, and why someone may choose to consult with the reproductive immunologist in the first place.

For some potential parents, the innate immune system — including immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells — may play a role in whether a pregnancy can be achieved. Knowing what natural killer cells are, what tests for these cells exist, and possible treatment options for high natural killer cell levels can help intended parents better understand their fertility options.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to an infection of the female reproductive system. It can occur without symptoms but may also cause mild to severe pelvic pain. In rare cases, PID can lead to chronic complications.ⁱ It is also a risk factor for female infertility.

Understanding what causes PID and how it is treated can help individuals avoid the long-term complications related to the disease.

A miscarriage is defined as the loss of a clinically confirmed pregnancy. For individuals hoping to conceive, it is important to have accurate information regarding pregnancy loss including prevalence, common causes, warning signs, and management options. It can also be highly beneficial to understand what to expect after miscarriage and what physical and emotional factors should be considered before trying to conceive again.

Getting pregnant may seem like a straightforward matter, yet it is far from a simple process and has a number of steps that require just the right timing. Many factors contribute to whether or not an egg will get fertilized, develop into an embryo, and result in a live birth. Whether an individual is trying for pregnancy or thinks she may already be pregnant, understanding the fundamentals of conception can help when seeking medical advice to ensure optimal reproductive health.

Despite a commonly held perception, it is not always easy to get pregnant. Individuals can increase their chances of getting pregnant if they know when, how, and how often to have sex. There are also lifestyle tips and tricks that can be helpful in optimizing natural fertility, potentially leading to a positive pregnancy test and a viable birth. Most women who have been trying for only a few months to get pregnant should not be concerned if they have not yet conceived. However, after trying to get pregnant for a lengthier time (more than 6-12 months), it can be helpful to know what some of the indicators are that point towards consulting a health care professional who can provide medical advice regarding fertility issues.

Exploring epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors affect gene expression, reveals complex dynamics in the context of donor eggs used for fertility treatments. For mothers seeking a genetic connection to their donor egg–conceived child, epigenetics can provide some insight.

Epigenetic changes are reversible alterations to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA, the genetic code) that do not alter the code itself but can influence how an embryo develops.ⁱ The dynamic interaction between inherited genetic information and environmental influences shapes the overall epigenetic profile of gametes (oocytes and sperm), the developing embryo, and fetus.ⁱⁱ Epigenetic changes are especially important during critical periods like prenatal development, where the epigenetic landscape is particularly sensitive to external cues.ⁱⁱⁱ

Endometriosis is a medical condition that affects millions of females worldwide, many of whom may develop endometriosis at an early age. Not only can endometriosis lead to severe pain (including very painful menstrual cramps) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), but it can also negatively affect fertility. Many reproductive-age females who have not been formally diagnosed with endometriosis may not realize that they have the condition until they experience challenges as they attempt to conceive children.

In order to recognize and subsequently treat endometriosis, it is critical to first understand the various types of endometriosis symptoms, surgical therapies, and fertility treatments available. Due to medical advances, there are treatments to effectively manage and treat endometriosis pain. In some cases, the most effective treatments are minor surgical procedures.

Egg freezing is a fertility preservation technique that was first made available in the late 1990s to females undergoing cancer treatments that could potentially affect their fertility. The egg freezing process is now also used by individuals to preserve their fertility for a wide range of reasons. Previously considered experimental, egg freezing is currently considered to have minimal risk and is even covered by some employers in the U.S. through health insurance.

For people who are thinking about in vitro fertilization (IVF), there is a great deal of information to absorb at once, and much of it can be confusing. In particular, the discussion of eggs (also called oocytes) versus follicles involves a significant dive into the mechanisms of egg development and maturation. While females may know they are born with all the eggs they will ever have, they may not necessarily understand how their eggs differ from follicles and how these terms are used during IVF. Understanding what each term means can make the process easier to navigate.