Infertility - Prevention and Management

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2017 May;43(2):275-285. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2016.12.007. Epub 2017 Mar 14.

Abstract

Infertility and subfertility, menstrual irregularities, and decreased parity may occur in women with autoimmune diseases due to multiple factors, including underlying inflammatory disease, gonadotoxic medications, and psychosocial issues related to living with chronic disease. Awareness of these factors, as well as validation and support of patients confronting reproductive challenges, is important for providing comprehensive care to these women. An understanding of the expanding options for fertility preservation strategies during gonadotoxic medications is essential. Referral to a reproductive endocrinology clinic is indicated in this patient population.

Keywords: Fertility preservation; Infertility; Systemic autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation / methods*
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / agonists
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / analogs & derivatives
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / prevention & control*
  • Infertility, Female / therapy
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / etiology
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / prevention & control*
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / therapy
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Cyclophosphamide