Can chronic urticaria affect a woman’s fertility?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 32 years old and have been dealing with chronic urticaria for almost a year now, and it is making me miserable, especially because I am trying to get pregnant. The hives appear randomly all over my body on my arms, legs, face, and even inside my mouth at times. They itch so severely that I scratch until I bleed, and then I develop secondary infections.

My allergist ran every possible test but could not find any specific triggers. I tried eliminating foods such as dairy, gluten, and nuts, but nothing helps. Antihistamines like Cetirizine and Fexofenadine barely reduce the itching, and higher doses make me too drowsy to function. I have had to use prednisone three times in the past six months, which temporarily clears the urticaria, but it causes weight gain and mood swings.

My fertility doctor says that the chronic inflammation and stress from the urticaria might be affecting my ability to conceive. I am also worried about taking so many medications while trying to become pregnant. Omalizumab injections were suggested, but insurance will not cover them yet.

Can chronic urticaria affect fertility, and which treatments are safe during pregnancy?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. In cases of urticaria (a condition that causes itchy, red, raised skin welts), it is important to follow a diet rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients. Foods such as amla (Indian gooseberry), moringa leaves, beetroot, spinach, soaked fenugreek seeds, fennel and cumin water, pathimugam water (herbal infused water used in Ayurveda), mint tea, and blue pea flower tea contain high levels of antioxidants.

I advise you to check your vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels. When vitamin D levels are low, urticaria rashes often do not improve.

Urticaria itself does not affect pregnancy, but repeated steroid use (such as Prednisone) can have negative effects. I advise you to consider Ayurvedic medications for better improvement without adverse effects. Ayurveda focuses on removing toxic accumulations in the body (a traditional concept referring to the buildup of waste substances that may affect health). According to Ayurveda, toxins in the gut can manifest as skin problems, so monitoring your food intake is important.

Avoid packaged and processed foods, deep-fried foods, coffee, lemon, tamarind, vinegar, cold milk, cheese, mushrooms, brinjal (eggplant), crab, prawns, and shellfish.

Medicines such as Haridrakhanda churnam (a turmeric-based herbal powder), Shatavari (an Ayurvedic herb that supports immunity and hormonal balance), Tiktakam kashayam (a bitter herbal decoction used for skin and inflammation), and Gandhak Rasayanam (a purified sulphur-based Ayurvedic preparation used for skin conditions) may help treat your urticaria.

Please consult an Ayurvedic physician for proper guidance and for panchakarma treatment (a detoxification and cleansing therapy in Ayurveda).

I hope this helps you.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.