REPRODUCTIVE
IMMUNOLOGY
We offer personalized reproductive health services, tailored to your unique needs, ensuring comprehensive care on your path to parenthood
Benefits
- Improved Egg Quality
- Reduced Stress
- Hormonal Balance
- Reduced Inflammation
- Optimized Fertility Potential
- Balanced Immune System
- Comprehensive Care
- Personalized Protocols
- Enhanced Overall Health
What is Reproductive Immunology?
In the realm of reproductive medicine, there’s an evolving understanding of how the immune system impacts fertility challenges such as unexplained infertility, IVF setbacks, and recurrent pregnancy loss. While other medical specialties have long acknowledged the immune system’s significance, Reproductive Endocrinologists are just starting to grasp its crucial role in these areas.
Enter Reproductive Immunology, a burgeoning field that offers hope and potential solutions to individuals navigating the often turbulent waters of fertility struggles. This specialized discipline examines the intricate interplay between the immune system and the reproductive system, seeking to uncover the underlying reasons behind recurrent pregnancy loss and repeated IVF disappointments.
One intriguing aspect under investigation is how the immune system may perceive embryos as threats, potentially hindering their development. Within the realm of reproductive immunology, promising treatments are emerging. These interventions aim to mitigate inflammation and modulate immune responses, ultimately fostering a conducive environment for successful pregnancies to blossom.
HOW IT WORKS
TESTING & CONSULTATION
Get started with a series of lab draws to test for health markers, followed by a consultation with Dr. Justin Davis to review your results as well as your personal health history.
RECEIVE YOUR
PROTOCOL
Dr. Davis will carefully review your test results and personal health history to tailor a personalized reproductive immunology protocol specifically for you.
START
TREATMENT
Begin treatment with our personalized approach and dedicated care, you can confidently embrace the possibilities of starting a family with reproductive immunology treatments.
What can we learn from testing?
Discovering the root causes of reproductive issues through immune system assessment is complex but crucial. Our immune system, with its diverse proteins and cell types, influences fertility in ways not fully understood. We specialize in evaluating three key areas:
Autoimmune Diseases: These conditions, affecting about 8-9% of people, can lead to pregnancy complications. Undiagnosed autoimmune diseases may contribute to recurrent miscarriages. Our testing targets autoantibodies and other markers to identify these issues.
Inflammation: Inflammation, often misunderstood, plays a significant role in fertility and pregnancy. We assess specific immune cell activity and molecule levels to gauge inflammation’s impact. Our approach combines blood tests with a nuanced understanding of immune cell dynamics.
To provide a comprehensive assessment of immune health, we recommend evaluating autoimmune markers alongside immunoglobulin levels, complement activity, T cell balance, natural killer cell activity, and regulatory T cell levels. This integrated approach offers insights into immune status and potential fertility challenges. If you’re experiencing recurrent miscarriages, our specialized care can help identify underlying immune issues and tailor treatment to your needs.
What else goes into a comprehensive assessment?
Understanding overall immunological health involves considering various factors beyond direct immune system tests. Conditions like diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can significantly impact the immune system, potentially contributing to recurrent miscarriages.
Antiphospholipid syndrome, diabetes, and PCOS are highlighted by ACOG as medical conditions that increase the risk of recurrent miscarriages. Testing for these conditions is crucial when investigating unexplained pregnancy failures.
Nutritional status also plays a vital role in immune health. Simple interventions like dietary supplements or meal planning tips can make a difference. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, for instance, are essential for controlling inflammation but are often overlooked.
A comprehensive immunological assessment includes tests commonly checked for patients experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility, or multiple failed IVF implantations. These may include chromosome analysis, thrombophilia markers, insulin resistance, PCOS markers, and assessments for nutritional deficiencies.
Vitamin
Infusions
Provide prenatal support before and during pregnancy with our modified Myers for Pregnancy prenatal IV therapy. Version of the Myers specially formulated for pregnancy with added Folate.
Vitamin
Injections
Elevate your prenatal care with our vitamin injections, specially formulated to support your journey to motherhood. Experience the benefits of enhanced energy, immune support, and optimal nutrient levels
REQUEST A CONSULT
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reproductive Immunology
The initial immune evaluation for a patient with unexplained recurrent miscarriage typically includes several tests to assess various immune factors:
- Leukocyte antibody detection/blocking antibodies.
- Antiphospholipid antibody panel (7 epitopes, 3 isotypes).
- Antinuclear antibody panel.
- Immunophenotype for NK cell number.
- NK/IVIg assay for NK cell activity.
Additionally, other valuable tests may include:
- DQ alpha genotyping (for both partners).
- Gene mutations for inherited thrombophilias.
The initial immune evaluation for patients contemplating IVF or facing failed IVF cycles typically involves the following tests:
- Antiphospholipid antibody panel (7 epitopes, 3 isotypes).
- Antinuclear antibody panel.
- Antithyroid antibody panel.
- Immunophenotype for NK cell number.
- NK/IVIg assay for NK cell activity.
Additionally, other valuable tests may include:
- Gene mutations for inherited thrombophilias.
- DQ alpha genotyping (for both partners).
- Leukocyte antibody detection/blocking antibodies.
It’s crucial to commence all medication before conception to maximize its effectiveness.
For those pursuing natural conception or IUI, the regimen typically involves starting heparin, aspirin, and prednisone 5-7 days before ovulation, with IVIg administered 7-10 days before ovulation.
In the case of IVF, prednisone is generally initiated 4 weeks before the transfer, while heparin and aspirin are commenced 2 weeks prior. IVIg is administered 7-10 days before the transfer procedure.
IVIg operates through multiple mechanisms. For patients lacking blocking antibodies, it supplies temporary, nonspecific blocking antibodies that safeguard the fetus by circulating in the mother’s body for roughly one month. Additionally, IVIG downregulates NK cell activity, preventing potential harm to the fetus. This process is intricate; IVIG antibodies attach to NK cells, prompting them to reduce their killing activity. The impact on NK cells typically lasts about one month, after which retesting is advised.
Prednisone is favored over other corticosteroids for several reasons. Firstly, it binds strongly to the blood protein albumin, forming a large complex that faces challenges crossing the placenta. Additionally, an enzyme in the placenta, beta-2-dehydrogenase, deactivates any free prednisone that manages to cross the placenta. Until approximately week 30 of gestation, the fetal liver cannot reactivate prednisone. Subsequently, the active steroid may stimulate surfactant production, contributing to fetal lung maturation. To affect the developing baby, a patient would need to consume more than 60 mg of prednisone daily.
Individuals fitting this description are termed secondary recurrent spontaneous aborters. It’s important to note that immune issues may arise even after a woman has experienced a successful pregnancy. In such cases, without treatment, carrying a fetus to full term can pose significant challenges.
Yes, all immunology patients require an initial 60 minute consultation with Dr. Justin Davis.
Dr. Davis will review your lab results as well as your personal health and family health history to verify your eligibility for initiating proticols and get you started on a personalized program.
Along with our standard New Client Form packet, you will be required to complete Dr. Davis’ health intake forms prior to your first consultation with Dr. Davis.
No, we are not taking insurance at this time. Dr. Davis is providing concierge medicinal services.