Inflammation – A Hidden Cause of Unexplained Infertility and/or Miscarriage

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Inflammation is a necessary thing. We need it for many bodily processes to take place and for healing, like when you fall over and scrape your elbow, for example. But if inflammation gets out of hand, this can cause problems, especially when it comes to conception.

Interestingly, even a key part of the ovulation process involves inflammation. When ovulation happens, the egg cell bursts through the ovary. In the days leading up to ovulation, the egg gets bigger and bigger, pressing against the surface of the ovary, preparing to make its exit. As it grows, the tissue of the egg sac must soften and thin, eventually becoming a burst-throughable layer.

This process involves the dilation of blood vessels, a flood of blood to the area, swelling and enzymatic action, which is basically inflammation making ovulation possible. The important thing, though, is there is an end to this inflammatory process once ovulation has taken place.

When inflammation gets out of hand, though, and doesn’t end, that is when it becomes an issue because it starts spreading throughout the body to other bodily systems. I would go as far as to say that chronic inflammation is one of the most common findings I see in patients who are dealing with unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage.

Signs That Inflammation May Need to Be Addressed

Unfortunately, inflammation doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. I have outlined below some common things I see in my clients that tell me that inflammation needs to be addressed:

• High blood pressure or water retention
• Insulin resistance
• Weight gain
• History of allergies, eczema and/or psoriasis
• History of autoimmune disease
• Joint pain or headaches
• Fatigue or brain fog
• Chronically elevated hsCRP, ESR, ferritin or uric acid
• Frequent bloating or abdominal pain
• History of GI infection
• Gum disease
• Heavy or painful periods
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pelvic adhesions
• History of pelvic or vaginal infections
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Premature ovarian insufficiency
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids

When inflammation is left, it can cause fertility issues. This happens often because of our frequent lifestyle habits and our environment.

I’ve identified a number of common sources of inflammation so you can see which might be most relevant to you, so you can start making the necessary changes to reduce inflammation and boost your fertility.

Blood Sugar Chaos

Elevated blood sugar can trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals, causing oxidative stress and tissue damage. Focus on eating slower-burning, low-glycemic carbohydrates that are packed with fibre and phytonutrients.

For example: lentils, chickpeas, rolled oats, quinoa, various beans, i.e. black beans, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, spinach, apples, pears and various berries.

Start incorporating more of these foods into your diet.

Food Triggers

Certain foods are known to be more inflammatory in general, while other foods happen to ignite a response for you. Trans fats, alcohol and simple sugars are well-known inflammation starters, so it’s good to limit these foods or ideally cut them out altogether.

For some people, foods like dairy, gluten, corn or soy might be a culprit. If you feel these foods negatively affect you, then it’s good to take them out of the diet as well.

Leaky Gut

Increased intestinal permeability allows contents from inside the digestive tract to cross the intestinal lining and enter systemic circulation, where they can cause inflammation throughout the entire body.

One of the main reasons the gut barrier becomes compromised is the loss of protective bacteria in the gut and an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast that causes inflammation.

Leaky gut has been associated with ovarian inflammation, lower progesterone production and recurrent pregnancy loss. This is why it’s so important to resolve. If you suspect your gut needs help, then individualised homeopathic treatment can make a huge difference.

Gum Disease

Gum disease generates persistent inflammatory chemicals that can enter your bloodstream through the capillaries in the mouth. The inflammatory burden from chronic gum disease can create an inhospitable environment for conception.

If your gums look red and puffy, you have gum recession, or your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, I recommend getting a check-up with your dentist.

Chronic Stress

When we’re under long-term stress, our bodies release the infamous stress hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is necessary and important for many functions in the body, but when it is elevated all the time, it can disrupt the communication between the brain and the ovaries, interfere with the development of egg cells and reduce endometrial receptivity.

You can’t always remove all the stresses from your life, but you can certainly start prioritising time for rest and relaxation. Schedule it in if you have to!

Poor Sleep

Quality sleep is anti-inflammatory. Even a single night of disrupted sleep can turn on the genes that make inflammatory chemicals, and this can turn into constant low-grade inflammation when we’re sleeping poorly all the time.

The inflammation generated from poor sleep can also impact the production of the hormones that control periods, worsen insulin resistance and create oxidative stress that damages the precious egg cells.

A full 7–8 hours of restorative sleep will keep inflammation in check for you, so make it a priority if you can.

Viruses and Mycotoxins

Certain viral and fungal exposures can create ongoing immune activation and inflammation without clear symptoms. In some people, a period of stress or under-nutrition might reactivate a virus, increasing inflammation and leading to symptoms like severe fatigue.

I have seen homeopathic treatment clear viruses and restore energy time and time again.

Mycotoxins, which are compounds produced by moulds, can also trigger chronic inflammation in multiple body systems. While relatively uncommon, this is worth exploring if you’ve been exposed to water damage, have a known mould exposure, or have chronic, unexplained symptoms.

Individualised Homeopathic Treatment

Having individualised homeopathic treatment can significantly reduce inflammation in the body and restore energy necessary for fertility.

If you’d like to arrange a chat with me to see if this is something you’d like to try, then click here to book a free video call.