What is Intralipid therapy for fertility?

Intralipid is an intravenous lipid emulsion therapy that helps modulate the immune system in women with fertility challenges. It works by reducing natural killer (NK) cell activity and inflammatory responses that may prevent embryo implantation or cause pregnancy loss. It's particularly beneficial for women with failed IVF cycles or recurrent miscarriages.

How is Intralipid therapy administered?

Intralipid is administered as an intravenous infusion of a 20% lipid solution over 2-4 hours. Treatment is typically given before embryo transfer in IVF cycles and may be repeated after positive pregnancy tests. The exact protocol is personalized based on your specific condition and response.

What are the success rates with Intralipid therapy?

Studies suggest Intralipid therapy can improve pregnancy rates in women with immune-related fertility issues, particularly those with elevated NK cell activity. Success rates vary depending on individual factors, but some studies show pregnancy rate improvements of 20-50% in appropriately selected patients.

Are there side effects of Intralipid therapy?

Intralipid is generally well-tolerated. Mild side effects may include headache, nausea, or slight fever. Serious reactions are rare but can include allergic reactions in people with severe egg allergies. The treatment is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease, hyperlipidemia, or acute pancreatitis.

How many Intralipid infusions are needed?

The number of infusions varies by protocol and individual response. Typically, patients receive an initial infusion before embryo transfer or conception attempt, followed by additional infusions after positive pregnancy tests (usually at 4-5 weeks and 8-9 weeks). Some protocols continue monthly infusions through the first trimester.

Intralipid Therapy at AFCT

Immune support for fertility challenges

Hope for women facing repeated failed IVF, implantation failure, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Infertility can be linked to how your immune system may prevent a healthy embryo from implanting or cause early miscarriage. At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), we offer specialized Intralipid Therapy to help address immune-related fertility challenges and improve your chances of successful pregnancy.

TREATMENT ELIGIBILITY

Who Is a Candidate for Intralipid Therapy?

Intralipid therapy may be recommended for patients experiencing specific fertility challenges that suggest an immune-related component to their difficulty conceiving or maintaining pregnancy.

Two or more failed IVF cycles with good-quality embryos
Recurrent pregnancy loss (two or more miscarriages)
Unexplained implantation failure after embryo transfer
Diagnosed autoimmune conditions, such as:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
Normal fertility test results, but continued difficulty getting or staying pregnant

In these situations, your immune system may be overreacting to a developing embryo or disrupting implantation, even if all other fertility factors appear normal.

TREATMENT ACCESSIBILITY

Who Can Receive Intralipid Therapy at AFCT?

We provide immune support and intralipid infusions for:

AFCT IVF patients with suspected immune-related infertility
Women referred from other fertility clinics seeking immune therapy
Patients preparing for frozen embryo transfer (FET)
Out-of-state or international patients, with coordinated care

Even if you are working with another fertility specialist, our team can administer immune therapy and work closely with your provider to support your treatment plan.