Immune System Encourages Pregnancy When Sex Life is Lively
Fertility and Infertility News
Obie Editorial Team
None of the study participants were pregnant or taking medications that affect the hormonal or immune systems. Each one provided a saliva sample taken at four strategic phases of the menstrual cycle:
When a foreign invader is detected in the bloodstream, helper T cells signal white blood cells to produce antibodies (immunoglobulins) to fend off illness. Of particular interest to the IU study were two types of helper T cells and two types of immunoglobulin antibodies:
Examination of the saliva samples revealed immune system changes during the follicular and luteal phases of women who enjoy an active sex life:
Follicular (pre-ovulation phase during which follicles in the ovaries are maturing for release as an egg):
Luteal (after ovulation when uterine lining thickens in anticipation of pregnancy):
These immune-system fluctuations did not occur in the women who were abstaining from sexual intercourse.
The IU findings may prove beneficial to couples seeking treatment for infertility but may also prove helpful in treating sexually active women who have autoimmune disorders.
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