Dr. Hanna- Immune Infertility
& Pregnancy Loss in Manhattan NY

Pregnancy is a unique state where the mother's immune system must adapt to accept the embryo and fetus. This requires a delicate balance:

• Implantation — The immune system must allow the embryo to attach to the uterine lining
• Placental development — The immune system must support the formation of the placenta
• Fetal protection — The immune system must tolerate the fetus while still protecting against infections
• Immunological tolerance — The mother's immune cells must recognize the fetus as "self" rather than foreign

When this balance is disrupted, immune factors can lead to implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, or infertility.

Several immune factors have been identified as potential causes of infertility and pregnancy loss:

• Natural Killer (NK) cells — Elevated levels or abnormal activity of NK cells in the uterus can attack the embryo or prevent implantation
• Antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) — Antibodies that attack phospholipids, increasing the risk of blood clots and preventing proper placental blood flow
• Thyroid antibodies — Autoimmune antibodies against thyroid tissue can affect fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) — Autoantibodies that may be associated with implantation failure
• Antisperm antibodies — Antibodies that attack sperm, reducing fertility in both men and women
• Endometrial inflammation — Chronic endometritis can create an inflammatory environment that prevents implantation
• Cytokine imbalances — Inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-alpha) can interfere with implantation and placental development
• Thrombophilia — Blood clotting disorders that affect placental blood flow and can cause miscarriage

Certain medical conditions are associated with immune-related infertility:

• Autoimmune disorders — Such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Antiphospholipid syndrome — A condition causing blood clots that can affect pregnancy
• Thyroid disorders — Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect fertility
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — May have inflammatory components affecting fertility
• Endometriosis — Associated with inflammatory changes and immune system alterations
• Celiac disease — Autoimmune condition that can affect fertility
• Type 1 diabetes — Autoimmune condition that can impact reproductive health

Dr. Hanna evaluates for these conditions as part of a comprehensive immune fertility assessment.

Common causes of recurrent pregnancy loss include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities — In the embryo or parents
• Uterine abnormalities — Fibroids, polyps, or structural issues
• Hormonal imbalances — Thyroid disorders, low progesterone, PCOS
• Thrombophilia — Blood clotting disorders
• Immune factors — Elevated NK cells, APAs, cytokines
• Infections — Chronic endometritis or other infections
• Lifestyle factors — Smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, stress

Dr. Hanna conducts a comprehensive evaluation for couples with RPL, including specialized immunological testing.

Based on comprehensive testing results, Dr. Hanna develops a personalized treatment plan to address immune factors affecting fertility:

Treatment Options:

• Low-dose aspirin — For antiphospholipid antibodies or mild thrombophilia
• Immunomodulatory therapy — Medications to regulate NK cell activity and cytokine production
• Corticosteroids — Such as prednisone to reduce inflammation and immune response
• Intralipid infusion — May help modulate NK cell activity and improve implantation
• IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) — Used in some cases to modulate immune response
• Anticoagulation therapy — For thrombophilia or antiphospholipid syndrome
• Thyroid hormone replacement — For thyroid disorders affecting fertility
• Lifestyle optimization — Nutrition, stress management, and supplementation to support immune balance
• Timed conception — Optimizing timing of conception attempts based on immune factors

Dr. Hanna works closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific immune profile and fertility goals.

Dr. Hanna integrates immune evaluation and treatment with other fertility services:

• IVF with immune support — Immune modulation alongside IVF treatment
• Frozen embryo transfer — Immune preparation for optimal implantation
• PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) — To identify chromosomally normal embryos
• Natural conception support — Immune treatment for those trying to conceive naturally
• Ongoing pregnancy support — Continued immune monitoring during early pregnancy

Dr. Hanna coordinates all aspects of your fertility care, ensuring seamless integration of immune treatment with your overall fertility plan.