Pregnancy is an exciting phase in every woman’s life. However, pregnancy complications can affect their physical and mental health. Recurrent pregnancy loss or losing the baby in early pregnancy is a frustrating experience. Couples who experience this complication are emotionally devastated and often feel hopeless. Identifying .the cause of RPL is challenging making it difficult to continue with fertility treatment. However, with the advancement in the medical industry, it is possible to treat recurrent miscarriages with fertility treatment. Research has made it possible for couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage. Continue reading for a clear insight into recurrent pregnancy loss, its causes and fertility treatment options.
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as a condition in which couples experience consecutive failed early pregnancies. The actual cause of RPL is difficult to identify, which makes it challenging for the doctors to provide the right treatment. RPL can be categorised into two types, primary RPL, where the woman with recurrent miscarriage has not given birth in the past and secondary RPL, where the woman experiencing recurrent miscarriage has given birth to a baby in the past.
It is quite challenging to determine the actual cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. In some cases, the reasons for RPL are unknown. However, if you suffer from RPL, it may be due to any of the following reasons.
● Genetic conditions due to abnormal arrangement of chromosomes
● Uterine abnormalities, including fibroid, uterine septum, etc.
● Abnormal thyroid level and diabetes
● Cervical insufficiency resulting in repeated miscarriages
● Infection or inflammation in the uterus lining
● Endocrine disorders
● A blood clotting disorder called antiphospholipid syndrome
● Environmental Factors
● Lifestyle
Couples suffering from RPL must consult a fertility specialist to diagnose the actual cause of recurrent miscarriage. Your doctor will enquire about your medical history, including the number of recurrent pregnancy losses and the gestational age during which the loss occurred. A Recurrent pregnancy loss workup that includes counselling and emotional support can help couples cope with the recurrent loss and continue with fertility treatments.
Your doctor will perform a detailed physical examination, including a pelvic exam or perform pelvic ultrasound the Doctor may recommend medical tests for diabetes and thyroid and an MRI, or hysteroscopy to determine uterine abnormalities.
A 24-chromosome microarray analysis is quite efficient in assessing the actual cause of RPL. You may be offered the miscarriage tissue during recurrent miscarriages. Genetic evaluation of the tissue can help to figure out the exact cause of RPL.
Genetic Testing: Genetic testing is effective as it helps identify the exact cause of RPL caused by chromosomal abnormalities. In this process, the fetal tissue and tissues of parents are collected and analysed. This helps determine the type of chromosomal disorder in the fetus. The different types of genetic testing done for treating RPL are:
● Karyotyping
● Microarray analysis
● Next-generation sequencing.
Recent developments in the healthcare industry have allowed the exact cause of RPL to be identified. This is important for the success of recurrent pregnancy loss treatment. Fertility specialists, endocrinologists and obstetricians must work together when treating patients with RPL.
● You may be treated for thyroid conditions if your thyroid levels are abnormal.
● If you have diabetes, your doctor prescribes medicines to manage your sugar levels.
● An endocrinologist can help you treat thyroid and diabetes, which can be potential reasons for RPL.
● If the recurrent miscarriage is due to chromosomal abnormalities, you may be advised undergo for genetic testing to figure out the genetic anomalies.
● Transabdominal cervical cerclage surgery is performed if you suffer from cervical insufficiency.
● Uterine abnormalities can be treated with medications or surgery based on the condition.
● Chronic endometritis or infections in the uterus can be treated by the intake of antibiotics.
● If you suffer from RPL due to antiphospholipid syndrome, you may be treated with heparin and aspirin medicines.
Thanks to the recent medical advancements in fertility treatment that help couples with RPL to deliver a baby. Numerous infertility treatment options increase the rate of successful pregnancy. Here is a detailed overview of the fertility treatments offered for couples with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing and Diagnosis: Preimplantation genetic testing is performed during IVF. The embryo developed in the laboratory is examined for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders before implantation. This helps your fertility specialist choose the most viable embryo free from genetic disorders, thereby reducing the risk of repeated miscarriage.
In-vitro Fertilization: IVF is a popular fertility treatment that increases the likelihood of successful pregnancy. Women with uterine abnormalities may undergo pregnancy complications. IVF is a lifesaver in bypassing these conditions and helping women for a successful pregnancy, reducing the risk of miscarriage. During IVF, egg and sperm are collected and fertilised in a controlled environment. The resulting embryo is then implanted into the uterus, resulting in pregnancy.
Practicing Healthy Lifestyle: Your lifestyle greatly impacts the fertility of both men and women. Staying away from alcohol and smoking can help women reduce the chance of miscarriage. Reducing the intake of caffeine and processed food can increase the likelihood of successful pregnancy. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet can resolve most of the fertility issues. Staying physically active can also help to avoid RPL.
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a devastating experience for couples. However, identifying the exact cause of recurrent miscarriage and treating the same can help to navigate towards a successful pregnancy. Advanced fertility treatments are highly effective in diagnosing the condition and reducing the occurrence of RPL.
Repeated pregnancy loss or recurrent miscarriage can be treated with any of the following fertility treatments.
● Treating uterine abnormalities with the help of surgery
● In-vitro Fertilization
● Preimplantation genetic testing and diagnosis
Couples who experience recurrent miscarriages feel emotionally devastated and depressed. They lose hope as it is difficult to find out the actual cause of RPL. Couples who experience RPL must be offered emotional support. The exact cause of the recurrent miscarriage must be assessed at the earliest for proper medical treatment.
In IUI fertility treatment, fertilisation takes place inside your uterus, making it unsuitable for couples with uterine abnormalities. Hence the success rate of IUI for women with recurrent miscarriage is less compared to IVF.
Women can get pregnant but experience recurrent miscarriages, and this may be due to:
● Uterine abnormalities
● Genetic factors
● Environmental conditions
● Lifestyle
