Effect of immune disorders on fertility and miscarriage

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendikson, MD, explains the effects that immune disorders can have fertility and the likelihood of a miscarriage
How Immune Disorders Can Affect Fertility and Miscarriage
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Effect of immune disorders on fertility and miscarriage

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In order to have a successful pregnancy, an embryo has to implant into a receptive uterine environment. The maternal immune system therefore has to tolerate the embryo, which is actually kind of hard because the embryo is technically foreign to the mother's system. There are many mechanisms within the maternal immune system that prevents maternal immune responses from rejecting the embryo, yet at the same time protecting the embryo from potential infection. Now these mechanisms are not well understood, and therefore it very hard to assess the immune systems role in both infertility and miscarriage. Now immune system testing in infertility is very controversial, because there have not been rigorous tests that have actually verified and haven't been able to pinpoint how immune disorders can affect fertility. There is a lot of evidence in how immune disorders may affect miscarriages. For this reason, it is important that you have some frank discussions with your physician if they are recommending immune tests, because some immune tests are widely performed and universally accepted, and others are not.

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendikson, MD, explains the effects that immune disorders can have fertility and the likelihood of a miscarriage

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Kristin Bendikson, MD

Fertility Specialist

Dr. Kristin A. Bendikson joined USC Fertility after finishing her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Harvard Medical School and completing her subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the internationally renowned Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cornell University Medical College. During that time, she received intensive training in ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization and fertility surgery, as well as the management of other disorders including recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Kristin received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and attended the prestigious New York University School of Medicine. Her extensive training and years in practice have prepared her to deal with the most difficult and challenging cases.

Kristin holds the title of Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She is the currently the principal investigator of several research projects including the study of zygote intrafallopian tube transfer for women of advanced reproductive age, aging of the uterine endometrium and vitamin D and its role in infertility. It is her goal to provide the highest quality care for her patients and to help them fulfill their desire of having a healthy baby. In addition, she strives to guide her patients through what can be a trying and difficult journey by providing them with the support and personal attention they need.

Fertility expert, teacher, and researcher, Kristin is also a married mother of two. She resides in West Los Angeles with her family.

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