Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Treatment: Understand Your Options
Unfortunately, not all pregnancies lead to births. Miscarriage is relatively common, ending between 15 and 20 percent of all pregnancies. Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the miscarriage of three or more pregnancies in a row. Between one and five percent of women suffer from this rare condition; for those that do, it can be devastating. At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, Dr. Michael Vermesh, Dr. Vuk Jovanovic, and the rest of our team are committed to helping patients improve their health and achieve their family goals. We offer recurrent pregnancy loss treatment at our Los Angeles office to assist women with this condition. If you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages, read on to learn more about how we can diagnose and treat your recurrent pregnancy loss.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss By the Numbers
Each woman’s particular case is unique, but learning more about the statistics related to recurrent pregnancy loss can help you better understand this condition. Consider the following numbers:
- Women with recurrent pregnancy loss have miscarried before the twentieth week (although this most often happens before the twelfth week) at least three consecutive times.
- After suffering two miscarriages, women have a 25 percent chance of losing their third (so we recommend that patients seek our assistance at this point). Following the third miscarriage, the risk for a fourth pregnancy loss is 30 percent.
- 71 to 77 percent of women who suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss ultimately have a healthy baby (so don’t lose hope, especially with our assistance).
- As many as 200,000 American couples deal with recurrent pregnancy loss each year.
- Approximately one-third of all recurrent pregnancy loss cases have no clear cause. Even if we cannot pinpoint the source of your condition, our doctors can help you enhance your fertility, well being, and chances for carrying your baby to term.
Dr. Vermesh, Dr. Jovanovic, and our staff can provide more information about recurrent pregnancy loss at your initial consultation.
Causes of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
The female reproductive system is complex and nuanced, so there are a variety of issues that can lead to recurrent pregnancy loss. Causes for this condition include:
- Anatomic abnormalities. The structure of your uterus could affect your pregnancy. Fibroids (benign growths), scarring, uterine septum (a congenital condition in which the uterus has a “V” shape, or other conditions could cause recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Genetic irregularities. In some cases, recurrent pregnancy loss comes down to DNA. Chromosomal issues from the mother, father, or both could lead to miscarriage.
- Blood clotting conditions. Women with thrombophilias, or excessive blood clotting, could lose their pregnancy as a result of this condition.
- Hormonal imbalances. Over- or under-producing certain hormones could interfere with the success of your pregnancy.
- Immune issues. An overactive immune system may mistakenly attack your pregnancy. For example, women with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome may have an increased risk for recurrent pregnancy loss.
Our team of fertility doctors will perform numerous tests to help identify the root cause of your condition. Careful assessment is the first step toward a healthier pregnancy.
Our Treatment Options
Dr. Vermesh, Dr. Jovanovic, and our team will create a customized treatment plan based on your distinctive needs and preferences. If we can diagnose the source of your condition, we will perform specific procedures to counteract it. For example, we may suggest surgery to correct anatomic abnormalities, perform pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to treat genetic issues, or recommend certain medications to improve hormonal function, reduce clotting, and treat immune issues. If you suffer from unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, our doctors may suggest regular monitoring, prescribe certain medications, and advise lifestyle modifications to help you carry to term. We may also perform hormonal treatments or IVF in these circumstances. Dr. Vermesh and Dr. Jovanovic will work closely with you to create a treatment system you feel comfortable with and confident in.
Contact the Center for Fertility and Gynecology
If you suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss, you may still be able to have the family you’ve always wanted. To learn more about our treatments or schedule a consultation with one of our fertility doctors, contact our practice today.