Immunology in reproductive medicine: is current testing and therapy justified by science?

Immunology and reproduction are intimately combined in human physiology; however, the mechanisms whereby the uterus accepts the fetus and allows it to flourish remain unclear, at least in the human. The introduction of unproven and expensive tests and therapies to alter immune mechanisms around conception has spread throughout reproductive medicine. Specialists in this discipline need to understand more of the immune physiology of reproduction and be more conservative in the use of therapeutics until evidence-based data become available. (C) 2022 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Automated summary

Immunology and reproduction are closely connected in human physiology, but the mechanisms by which the uterus accepts and supports the fetus remain unclear. The use of unproven and expensive tests and therapies to alter immune mechanisms in reproductive medicine is becoming more common, highlighting the need for specialists to have a better understanding of immune physiology in reproduction and to exercise caution in the use of treatments until evidence-based data is available.