Celiac Disease and the Risk of Infertility

Celiac Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, caused by an abnormal immune response triggered by intestinal exposure to dietary gluten, the protein fraction of wheat, rye and barley, in genetically susceptible individuals. Among atypical presentations of Celiac Disease, reproductive disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported. Infertility is defined as the impossibility of conceiving after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. It can be related to both male and female factors, with the latter subdivided into ovarian, tubal, endometrial or unexplained causes. Celiac Disease has been related to infertility, but the evidence is inconclusive. In this review, we discuss the effect of Celiac Disease in both male and female fertility, as well as the possible mechanisms that may be involved.