Myths vs facts: CRP Entzündung and Fruchtbarkeit

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a well-established marker of systemic inflammation, but it is not a standalone fertility test. Fact: Elevated CRP levels are associated with conditions that impair fertility, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and obesity. Observational studies link higher CRP to lower implantation rates in IVF. Myth: A single CRP measurement can predict fertility – this is false. CRP is non-specific; acute infections, smoking, or stress also raise it. No validated CRP cutoffs exist for fertility. Evidence is observational (human-moderate), not causal. For fertility workup, specific markers like AMH, FSH, estradiol, and imaging (e.g., ultrasound) are more informative. CRP can serve as a supplementary clue for underlying inflammation but should not replace comprehensive evaluation. Consumer tests marketing CRP as a 'fertility test' often overstate its predictive value. Bottom line: CRP is a useful but limited biomarker – always interpret in clinical context.