Recurrent Miscarriage/Multiple Miscarriages/Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Couples who experience recurrent miscarriages and repeated implantation failure suffer both from the psychological pain of their losses and from their victimization by uncertain science. Nowhere in reproductive medicine are patients as vulnerable to the combined pressures of their own theories, popular anecdote, unproven testing, and unverified treatment. Suffering a pregnancy loss after successfully achieving pregnancy through IVF can be devastating. And nowhere else in this field is a diagnosis filled with such extensive controversy and misinformation. Fortunately, there is ongoing research to discover the underlying and many causes of recurring miscarriages, so it is important to seek out a physician who is monitoring the progress that is being made each day.
The team at IVF FLORIDA offers physicians who specialize in treating patients who suffer from multiple miscarriages. Because the causes of recurrent pregnancy loss can be many, it is sometimes impossible to completely diagnose a true cause. Some physicians will attempt to treat patients suffering from recurrent miscarriage with methods that do not have sound scientific basis (for example: paternal cell immunization therapy). IVF FLORIDA physician experts will employ only scientifically proven methods in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with recurrent miscarriage. During the diagnosis process, we also consult with other experts around the country to help determine the best possible approach in the treatment of the specific causes of your multiple miscarriages.
Frequency of RPL:
Overall, approximately 20% of all pregnancies will result in a miscarriage as a result of natural, non-recurring causes. At this rate, mathematically if a woman has experienced three losses, the chance of the losses occurring naturally would be less than two tenths of one percent (0.16%). Most physicians, therefore, agree that if a woman has experienced three losses, the cause is likely contributable to a recurring problem.
Common known causes of recurrent miscarriage are:
- Genetic / Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Uterine Abnormalities & Adhesions
- Phospholipid antibody syndrome
- Blood Clotting problems Thrombophilia
- Hormonal Abnormalities (e.g. PCOS, hyperthyroidism)
- Social & Lifestyle issues (e.g. smoking)
- Infections
- Implantation defects
Some have theorized that a miscarriage can be due to an autoimmune disorder in which the body's own defenses fight against the implanted pregnancy. Although there has been quite a bit of hype about the autoimmune disorders as a potential cause, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has been unable to uncover any compelling evidence to support the theory. Likewise, the use of expensive intravenous transfusion of antibodies (IVIG) is not scientifically supported as a method to decrease the possibility of miscarriage.
Potential Diagnostic Testing can include:
- Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS)
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
- Chromosomal Testing
- Hormonal Testing
- Other Blood Tests
Common Treatment Options for recurrent miscarriage can include:
- Surgical correction for any uterine abnormalities or anomalies
- Surgical correction for intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome)
- Medication administration to help correct any hormonal imbalances and other metabolic issues
- Pregenetic Implantation Diagnosis (PGD) to evaluate the developing embryo for chromosomal abnormalities
- Treatment for infectious etiologies with antibiotics
- Treatment for phospholipid antibody syndrome with medications
- Administration of thrombolytic medications to counteract thrombophilias.
