Immunotherapy

Understanding the Immune System and Fertility

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CGI closeup of cells multiplying.

What is Immunotherapy?

There are many factors that can impact fertility. In recent years there has been a great deal of research conducted to further our understanding of the role of the immune system in fertility. Some research suggests that an imbalance of naturally occurring immunologic cells called Natural Killer Cells can have a negative impact on fertility and contribute to miscarriage or failed implantation which cannot be explained by more routine investigations.

Who needs Immunotherapy?

For certain subsets of patients we offer Natural Killer Cell Testing. If needed, Immunotherapy can be used to suppress this immune response with the objective of reducing the chance of miscarriage or failed implantation.

As natural killer cell test and immune therapy are not evidence based with respect to improving live birth rates and are optional, the testing and treatment is not routinely offered .

What are the risks of Immunotherapy?

If your consultant believes that Immunotherapy may be beneficial to your treatment they will share with you detailed information and discuss in depth all possible risks that should be considered. In particular, it should be noted that treatment such as this can make patients more susceptible to viruses such as COVID-19 and increase the risk of serious complications. The HFEA considers Immunotherapy a Red “Add-on” and it is therefore not routinely offered.

What are “Add Ons”?

Learn more about Add Ons

The HFEA defines Add Ons as “optional treatments” where the evidence for their effectiveness is “missing or not very reliable”. As part of our continuous efforts to develop and prove new techniques and treatments, there is not always enough evidence to say without doubt that a particular treatment type is beneficial for all patients. For this reason, we only offer certain “Add Ons” to patients for whom we believe it to be beneficial. Immunotherapy testing and treatment is considered a Red Add On by the HFEA.

Book a consultation

Talk to our specialist
An Initial Consultation is the first step in almost every treatment journey. During this 60 minute appointment via video you will meet with a consultant of your choice. Our consultants are experts at understanding your previous medical and fertility history, as well as your goals for treatment. Having taken a detailed medical history, your consultant will help you understand the treatment options which are available and answer any questions you might have.
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From our patients

Reviews

Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on

CRGH are extremely professional and welcoming. Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on. We went through IVF with ICSI treatment plan and they are transparent with their costs, help you every step of the way and we’re very excited to say that we’re expecting our first baby thanks to the treatment at CRGH.

August 2023