At a Glance
- A woman discovered her immune system was attacking her husband’s DNA, blocking pregnancy after a year of trying.
- At-home blood work from Fertilysis revealed a rare genetic incompatibility that standard fertility tests missed.
- The couple halted IVF and began LIT therapy-injections of the husband’s processed blood to build immune tolerance.
- Why it matters: Unexplained infertility affects countless couples; their story highlights the need for deeper immune testing.
A routine baby-making plan turned into a medical mystery for Alex Murphy Klein and her husband Paul when, two years into marriage, doctors uncovered a biological conflict: Alex’s immune system treated Paul’s DNA as a threat.
The 2023 newlyweds began trying to conceive assuming the process would be “quickly and easy,” Alex told ITV’s This Morning. After twelve unsuccessful months they sought help, yet standard work-ups showed no abnormalities for either partner. Clinicians labeled the case “unexplained infertility.”
They proceeded to IVF, but the first cycle failed. Alex sensed an undetected barrier. “I just had to put the brakes on,” she said, convinced their bodies were functioning normally on paper.
Searching beyond clinic walls, the couple ordered at-home blood kits from Fertilysis. Lab analysis flagged a genetic predisposition that rendered Alex immunologically incompatible with Paul’s DNA.
“It sounds like a crazy headline,” Alex acknowledged, “but my immune system put the brakes on and said, ‘Let’s attack this.'” Continued attempts at IVF, she added, would have been futile without addressing the immune clash.
Paul described the revelation as both relief and heartache. “Having an answer helped,” he admitted, yet the ordeal left him feeling “helpless” at times.
Speaking publicly for the first time, Paul urged men to break the silence surrounding fertility issues. He believes pride and shame keep many from sharing experiences that could comfort others.
Treatment Plan
The pair embarked on LIT (lymphocyte immunization therapy):
- Small, processed samples of Paul’s blood were injected into Alex
- Goal: teach her immune system to tolerate his DNA
- Alex likened it to “immunotherapy,” stopping her body from viewing his genes as foreign
Alongside LIT, Alex received additional immune-modulating therapies. At interview time she had completed four injections and was six months into the regimen.
Emotional Toll and Teamwork
Despite setbacks, Alex credits the early diagnosis with sparing them multiple futile IVF rounds. “Finding the cause early likely prevented more heartbreak,” she reflected.
Both stress that tackling infertility as a unit is vital. “It’s really important that you face it as a couple,” Paul emphasized, noting the emotional weight can overwhelm when carried alone.
They remain hopeful for a future pregnancy and shared their journey to encourage other couples to question vague diagnoses and trust their instincts.
Key Takeaways
- Unexplained infertility may stem from immune incompatibilities, not just anatomical or hormonal issues
- Consumer-accessible genetic testing can uncover hidden barriers when clinic tests fail
- Male partners play a crucial emotional role and should feel empowered to speak up
- Personalized immune therapies like LIT are emerging options for select couples
