Introduction
Chronic inflammation is the body’s prolonged immune response, and while often silent, it can have a significant impact on overall health and fertility. For some patients, persistent inflammation in the reproductive system may interfere with ovulation, embryo implantation, and even increase the risk of miscarriage.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
- Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against injury or infection.
- When it becomes chronic, the immune system remains in a constant “alert” state.
- This can damage tissues, disrupt hormonal balance, and compromise reproductive health.
How Chronic Inflammation Affects Fertility
- Endometriosis – abnormal tissue growth outside the uterus linked with inflammation.
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – often associated with low-grade inflammation.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – infection-related inflammation causing scarring or blocked fallopian tubes.
- Autoimmune disorders – abnormal immune responses interfering with implantation.
- Male factor infertility – inflammation in the prostate or reproductive tract can affect sperm quality.
Diagnosis and Testing
- Blood tests for inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, cytokines).
- Imaging or laparoscopy for reproductive tract inflammation.
- Endometrial biopsy to check for abnormal immune activity in the uterus.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle modifications – healthy diet, weight management, exercise, stress reduction.
- Medications – anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating drugs.
- Surgical intervention – in cases of endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.
- Fertility-focused therapies – IVF or IUI may be recommended when inflammation limits natural conception.
Our Approach
At our clinic, we take chronic inflammation seriously. Dr. Meng and her team carefully evaluate both female and male patients for inflammatory conditions, then design a personalized treatment plan. The goal is to reduce inflammation, restore reproductive health, and maximize your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.