Study links untreated infertility to higher autoimmune disease risk in women

Women with untreated infertility face a 25% higher risk of developing systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), according to new research from the University of Toronto.

The study, which analysed data from 465,078 Canadian women who gave birth between 2012 and 2021, found that those with fertility issues who did not undergo treatment showed significantly higher rates of autoimmune conditions compared to women without fertility problems.

Dr Natalie V. Scime, the study’s lead researcher, said: “We found approximately 13 new SARD cases per 10,000 person-years in women with untreated infertility, compared to nine cases in women without fertility issues”.

SARDs, which include conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and myositis, are rare but serious disorders where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues.

These conditions primarily affect women during their reproductive years and can significantly impact daily life.

The researchers divided participants into four groups: those who conceived naturally, those with untreated infertility, those who received non-invasive fertility treatments such as ovulation induction, and those who underwent invasive treatments like IVF.

The analysis considered factors including age, pre-existing conditions, pregnancy history, and socio-environmental factors.

Notably, women who underwent fertility treatments showed no increased risk of developing SARDs compared to those without fertility issues.

Dr Scime suggested this could present an opportunity for early intervention: “Infertility care provides doctors with a chance to screen women for rheumatic symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes”.

Associate Professor Hilary Brown, who supervised the research, said: “Our study highlights the need for further research into whether specific causes of infertility are more strongly linked to SARD risk and how autoimmune mechanisms might affect fertility”.