• June 16, 2025

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Reproductive Immunologist

If fertility care has brought you to a reproductive immunologist, knowing what to ask can ease the nerves. This branch of medicine studies how your immune system meets embryos and pregnancies, and the science can feel daunting. Clear, focused questions help you steer clear of needless tests and treatments while sharpening the odds of a healthy baby.

Whether your appointment is at a Kolkata hospital or a distant clinic, keep these five questions close.

1.Has that embryo been screened for chromosomal health?

Before we dive into immune therapies, can we confirm the embryo is euploid? An embryo with the right chromosome count stands far better odds of sticking and growing. If the chromosomes are imbalanced, adding immune drugs won t fix the core problem-and chasing that path wastes time and money.

Why it matters: A lot of failed transfers or early losses happen because of lousy chromosomes, not an overzealous immune system. So, checking genetics first is a smart move before looking anywhere else.

2. Has my pelvic environment been evaluated and cleared of conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or adenomyosis?

Before starting any immune treatment, your doctor should do a deep look at the pelvis. Problems like fibroids, endo, or adenomyosis can stir up inflammation and block implantation, even if you take steroids or IVIG.

Tip: Ask whether youve had a recent transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, or hysteroscopy to assess the uterus and nearby organs. That question is especially vital when youre seeing a Kolkata gynecologist for your first fertility work-up.

3. Have I been tested for chronic endometritis and has an endometrial immune profile been done?

Chronic endometritis-a low-grade, often silent infection of the lining-is surprisingly common in India. Pair that with an off-kilter endometrial immune profile and even a perfect embryo may struggle to latch on. Extra tests such as an endometrial biopsy or gene-based immune panel can spot these hidden roadblocks.

Pro tip: These conditions are treatable, often with simple antibiotics or minor interventions, and addressing them can significantly improve IVF success.

4. Are the immune treatments being suggested backed by strong clinical proof?

Some options-intralipid drips, IVIG, or high-dose steroids-sound encouraging but still sit in the experimental or controversial zone for many fertility specialists. Before starting, always ask if the protocol comes from solid randomized trials or if its rollout rests on stories from a few early patients.

Red flag: If the plan is costly, aggressive, or carries clear risks, insist on proof that it is truly needed and not just a trial-and-error add-on.

5. Do I really need immune therapy, or would careful guidance be enough?

Roughly 75 to 80 percent of couples who see an immunologist end up needing little more than clearer tests, tweaked IVF drugs, or a calm second opinion. Anxiety, mixed messages, and the instinct to try every option can easily push us toward too much treatment.

Reminder: A responsible reproductive immunologist-or an experienced Kolkata gynecologist-will pause and explain the science before starting a single needle or pill. In many journeys, less really is more.

Final Thoughts: Navigating fertility treatments is emotionally and physically challenging. Adding immunology into the mix can feel even more overwhelming. That’s why being an informed patient is your best asset. These five questions will help you have a meaningful and productive conversation with your reproductive immunologist—and make decisions that are guided by science, not speculation.

Remember: The goal is not to pursue the most treatment, but the right treatment. Knowledge is not just power—it’s peace of mind on your fertility journey.