In this article:
Understanding the Basics: What Is Implantation?
Implantation is a crucial process that involves the attachment of an egg to the uterine lining after it is fertilised with sperm. You can get pregnant only after a successful implantation.Sometimes, implantation does not happen even after proper fertilisation or embryo development. Chronic inflammation cannot be ignored in such cases and may be a probable cause of implantation failure.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Inflammation is your body’s response to an injury or infection. In case you have a cut in your body, it makes the affected area red and swollen. This shows that acute (short-term) inflammation is doing its job.However, when this response remains active for a long time without a clear injury or infection, it is known as chronic inflammation. It silently damages your tissues, including those in your reproductive system.
How Chronic Inflammation Affects Implantation
Chronic inflammation may be an underlying cause of unexplained infertility or repeated IVF failures. It may impact the implantation process in the following ways.- Changes in the uterine environment: Chronic inflammation can alter the lining of your uterus (called the endometrium). The lining becomes either too thick, too thin, or inflamed, making it difficult for an embryo to attach.
- Immune system overreaction: Your immune system is responsible for recognising and supporting a pregnancy. However, chronic inflammation makes the embryo appear as a threat. Thus, it prevents proper implantation and even leads to early pregnancy loss.
- Hormonal imbalance: The balance of progesterone and oestrogen is vital for successful implantation, which may be affected due to inflammation.
- Poor egg and embryo quality: Your egg quality may decline due to an ongoing inflammation, leading to poor or no embryo development. This reduces your chances of a healthy implantation and a successful pregnancy.
What Causes Chronic Inflammation in Your Body?
Chronic inflammation usually gets worse due to lifestyle habits or medical factors, such as:- Untreated infections (like bacterial vaginosis, endometritis, or pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus or endometriosis)
- Obesity
- Poor diet involving sugar and processed foods
- Stress
- Environmental toxins
- Smoking or alcohol use
Signs You Might Have Chronic Inflammation
Generally, there are no obvious symptoms of chronic inflammation, but you can watch out for the following signs.- Fatigue or low-energy
- Joint pain or muscle stiffness
- Frequent infections or illnesses
- Skin issues like acne or rashes
- Digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea
- Irregular menstrual cycles
These signs are often overlooked unless they are tested for specific markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or cytokines.
How Can You Manage or Reduce Chronic Inflammation?
You can reduce the effects of chronic inflammation with the help of the following tips.1. Anti-inflammatory diet: Start by making small adjustments in your lifestyle choices, such as:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables.
- Choosing whole grains over processed carbs.
- Including healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Reducing red meat, fried foods, and sugary snacks.
3. Get enough sleep: Good quality sleep allows your body to recover from inflammation, so ensure you get ample rest each night.
4. Manage stress: High stress levels can increase inflammation in the body. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to eliminate stress.
5. Medical treatment: Some cases require medication to treat infections or regulate your immune system. Your doctor may suggest specific treatments to reduce inflammation in your reproductive organs if endometriosis or an autoimmune condition is present.
How Doctors Diagnose Inflammation-Linked Implantation Failure
Your doctor may look for signs of inflammation if you have had multiple implantation failures, either naturally or through IVF.- Testing blood for inflammatory markers.
- Performing a hysteroscopy to examine the uterus directly.
- Testing for hidden infections.
- Evaluating hormone levels and immune function.
Why Should You Care About This?
You can have control over your fertility when you know chronic inflammation is causing implantation failure. Identifying the potential reason gives you a chance to manage the inflammation. Discuss a treatment plan with your doctor and make lifestyle changes to support your reproductive health.Chronic inflammation has no symptoms, and thus, it is easy to overlook it as a reason for your fertility challenges. However, it may interfere with implantation, a critical step in conception. Diet, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medicines can help you manage inflammation. Addressing the root cause of an implantation failure is a positive step on your fertility journey.
FAQs on Why Your Body Might Be Getting in the Way of Pregnancy
- Can chronic inflammation be completely cured?
Chronic inflammation cannot be cured if an autoimmune condition causes it. It is still possible to manage it by following the right approach. You can even reduce its effect to improve your fertility outcomes. - How long does it take to reduce inflammation before trying to conceive?
Although it may take a few weeks to months of lifestyle changes and treatment to see improvements, it also depends on your current health. Ask your doctor whether it is safe to try again.
