We offer diagnosis and treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)
Losing any pregnancy to miscarriage is devastating, but recurrent pregnancy loss is especially difficult. Each loss adds to the heartbreak and sadness of dashed hopes. At ArkLaTex Fertility, David T. Vandermolen, MD, MS, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor, is committed to ensuring our patients and their partners achieve their goals for parenthood. We offer help and hope for recurrent miscarriage through accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
What is recurrent pregnancy loss?
While approximately 1 in 5 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss can feel particularly crushing. Recurrent miscarriage is defined as two or more miscarriages before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Fortunately, the vast majority of women who experience multiple pregnancy losses go on to have healthy babies.
Common reasons for recurrent miscarriage
The first step to overcoming recurrent pregnancy loss involves finding the root of the problem. Diagnosing recurrent miscarriage encompasses testing to identify potential causes. Several factors can contribute to repeated pregnancy losses.
- Anatomical irregularities – Physical abnormalities, such as a uterine septum, fibroids, and uterine cavity scarring can make carrying a pregnancy to term more difficult.
- Hormonal imbalances – Older women, those with thyroid and/or prolactin hormone abnormal levels, and those with female reproductive issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, and ovulation disorders, may have an increased risk.
- Genetic factors – Sometimes, our patients and/or their partners carry chromosomal rearrangements that can result in genetic abnormalities in embryos that cause miscarriage.
- Medical problems – When conditions such as thyroid disease, antiphospholipid syndrome or diabetes aren’t treated, the odds of miscarriage increase.
- Unknown causes – In about 40% of cases, testing can’t pinpoint the cause. Fortunately, most, some 70% plus of couples with unexplained RPL if they continue trying to conceive, will be successful and delivery a healthy viable baby!
Understanding RPL and infertility testing
Before creating a treatment plan, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor will want to complete a thorough reproductive evaluation. This testing will help shed light on potential causes for recurrent miscarriage.
Generally, Dr. Vandermolen will take a full medical history, order blood tests, perform a physical exam, schedule an ultrasound exam of the uterus and ovaries, and order a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to identify any abnormalities within the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Karyotype genetic testing of each partner is recommended to identify any chromosomal abnormalities, genetic issues that could be causing problems with embryo development. Other blood tests include ovarian reserve tests, thyroid and prolactin levels, luteal P4 levels, and blood clotting studies. He will also order a semen analysis to rule out any male infertility concerns if each pregnancy takes too long to occur.
Treatment for repeat miscarriages
Once Dr. Vandermolen has the results of your fertility testing, he will formulate a customized treatment protocol designed to give you the best chances for success. Medication, minimally invasive surgery or IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) could turn the tide in your favor. Our dedicated team will always answer questions and offer reassurance.
Trust our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor to provide the medical expertise and compassionate care you deserve. While you may feel alone as you deal with recurrent pregnancy loss, we are here to support all our patients as they follow their personal infertility journeys. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.