2 replies to this topic

[t-bird]

A few years ago, my doctors found that I had a positive ANA with a titre of 1:640. I was sent to a rheumatologist who didn't find any reason for concern and told me that some people just have positive ANAs, nothing to worry about.

 

Now I am 43 with unexplained infertility and two miscarriages, I am wondering if my positive ANA could be the reason for my challenges.

 

Is a positive ANA a factor in infertility?

 

Thank you.

[Dr. Dan Nayot]

Hi T-Bird,

 

Your ANA titer is quite high, and so I'm glad you were already referred to a Rheumatologist. I would assume that your specialist further investigated potential autoimmune diseases associated with a high ANA titer - such as Lupus (SLE) and hypothyroidism (thyroid dysfunction).

 

Irrespective of age, it appears that an elevated ANA titer is associated with decreased egg quality, poorer embryo development and lower pregnancy rates (even in IVF cycles). I'm not sure that medical community has the definite answers yet as how to overcome this....

 

Best of luck ,

 

-D. Nayot

[t-bird]

Dear Dr. Nayot,

 

I just wanted to update you and let you know that despite having a high ANA and an advanced maternal age of 43; with IVF, I gave birth to a healthy, beautiful boy six months ago.

 

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, I was referred to a Rhematologist, but was unable to find the cause of my high titre. I thought I would let you know my amazingly fortunate outcome.