Current studies show that celiac disease negatively affects women's reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. Stating that the risk of miscarriage and premature birth increases 1,5 to 2 times during pregnancy in women with celiac disease who are not treated with a gluten-free diet, Gynecology and IVF Specialist Assoc. Dr. Selçuk Selçuk said that celiac disease is seen approximately 6 times more frequently in couples with unexplained infertility problems compared to the normal population.
According to recent scientific research; Celiac disease, which occurs as a result of the inability to absorb the protein called gluten, which is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, by the small intestine, adversely affects women's reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. Experts point out that celiac disease is responsible for a significant portion of unexplained infertility cases. Making a statement on the subject, Gynecology and IVF Specialist Assoc. Dr. Selçuk Selçuk said, “In recent scientific studies, we see that the negative impact of celiac disease on women's reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes is more serious than expected. The first remarkable finding; Celiac disease is approximately 6 times more common in couples with unexplained infertility than in the normal population.
Celiac disease negatively affects ovarian reserve
Stating that the evaluation of couples who want to have a baby or not in terms of celiac disease is of great importance, Gynecology and IVF Specialist Assoc. Dr. Selçuk Selçuk said, “Because celiac disease prevents the eggs from growing and cracking properly in some women, the possibility of pregnancy by normal means may decrease. Since the uterine lining is adversely affected in women with celiac disease, the probability of the embryo attaching and settling in the lining of the uterus decreases. Due to the possible negative effect of celiac disease on egg reserve, it can also cause women to enter menopause at an earlier age," he added.
The risk of miscarriage and premature birth is doubled, and the risk of losing the baby in the womb is increased by 2 times.
Reminding that celiac disease can cause very serious problems in women during pregnancy, Selçuk said, “During pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage and premature birth increases 1,5-2 times in women with celiac disease who are not treated with a gluten-free diet. Likewise, women with celiac disease who do not receive treatment have a 2,5 times higher risk of developing fetal growth retardation during pregnancy. Moreover, the risk of losing the baby in the womb can increase 4-5 times. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that when the diagnosis of celiac disease is made at the right time and the necessary treatments for celiac disease are started in a timely manner, the probability of the occurrence of the mentioned risky conditions is seriously reduced.
The only effective treatment for celiac disease: Gluten-free diet
Nutrition Project Manager of Schar Turkey, a food brand that produces gluten-free products, Exp. dit. İrem Erdem drew attention to the rate of celiac patients in Turkey and emphasized the importance of the diet process in treatment. Erdem said, “There are more than 700 thousand Celiac patients who are known to be diagnosed in Turkey. However, this number corresponds to only 10 percent. After the diagnosis of celiac disease, monitoring during the dietary compliance process is extremely important to eliminate all the negative health effects of celiac disease. At this point, as Schar Turkey, we carry out many studies for diagnosis and diet compliance processes. In order to shorten the diagnosis period, we regularly organize trainings and live broadcasts for healthcare professionals and individuals. In particular, we ensure that first-degree family relatives, individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes and thyroid, who are among the risk groups, are screened for celiac disease. Since the only effective treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet, it is very important to facilitate the diet adaptation process, especially for newly diagnosed people. At this point, we organize free nutrition trainings every month in order to help celiac individuals get through this process in the easiest way and improve their quality of life.”
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