At a Glance
- Alex Murphy Klein learned her immune system was rejecting husband Paul’s DNA during fertility struggles
- At-home blood work from Fertilysis flagged a genetic incompatibility after standard IVF failed
- The couple is now halfway through LIT therapy, injections of Paul’s processed blood meant to retrain Alex’s immune response
- Why it matters: Their case highlights how immune-based infertility can go undetected, and early testing may spare couples repeated failed IVF cycles
Alex Murphy Klein entered marriage in 2023 assuming pregnancy would come easily. A year later, with no success, she and husband Paul began medical testing that repeatedly came back normal. Labeled with “unexplained infertility,” they proceeded to IVF, but the first round did not take.
Convinced something remained hidden, Alex ordered at-home blood kits from Fertilysis. Analysis showed a genetic mismatch that caused her immune system to treat Paul’s DNA as a threat. On ITV’s This Morning Alex explained, “It sounds like a crazy headline,” yet her body had “put the brakes on and said, ‘Let’s attack this.'”
The Diagnosis
Standard fertility work-ups had uncovered no hormonal, anatomical, or sperm-related issues. The Fertilysis panel, however, revealed an immunological conflict: Alex carried genetic markers associated with heightened rejection of paternal antigens. Doctors concluded continuing IVF without addressing the immune response would likely end in more failure.
Paul described the news as both a relief and a fresh emotional weight. “Finally having an answer helped,” he told This Morning, “but the journey left me feeling helpless at times.” He urged men to speak openly about fertility, noting pride and shame often keep them quiet.
Treatment Plan
The couple started LIT (lymphocyte immunization therapy). Clinicians processed Paul’s blood and injected portions under Alex’s skin, aiming to desensitize her immune system. Alex likened it to “immunotherapy,” training her body to accept Paul’s genetic material.
Alongside LIT, Alex takes medications to regulate immune activity. By the time of their televised interview she had received four injections over roughly six months and will need additional shots before attempting conception again.
Emotional Toll
Both spouses emphasized tackling infertility as a team. “It’s really important that you face it as a couple,” Paul said, warning the process can drain partners who carry the burden alone. They attend appointments together, share injections schedules, and check in daily about side effects.
Alex believes early detection saved them from multiple futile IVF transfers. She advises other couples to trust instincts when progress stalls and to pursue specialized immune testing sooner rather than later.
Looking Ahead
Doctors will monitor antibody levels over the next few months. If markers indicate tolerance, the couple can try natural conception or a second, better-timed IVF cycle. They remain cautiously optimistic and chose to share their story to spotlight immune-related infertility and encourage broader conversation among men experiencing fertility grief.
Key Takeaways
- Standard fertility panels often skip immune compatibility; targeted tests can uncover hidden roadblocks
- LIT therapy, though uncommon, offers a possible path for couples with documented DNA-directed immune reactions
- Open dialogue between partners and early specialist consultation may reduce costly, repeated treatment failures
