Recurrent pregnancy loss treatment offers hope

Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as two or more miscarriages, or the losses of pregnancies that were confirmed by ultrasound or a pregnancy test. If you have suffered such losses, you understand the frustration and sadness that comes with experiencing repeat miscarriage. Our Las Vegas miscarriage specialists offer hope through accurate diagnosis and targeted recurrent pregnancy loss treatment.

Many factors could be playing a role in repeated pregnancy loss, so the first step is to perform multiple tests to determine the cause. Which treatment will be best for you will depend on what is causing repeat miscarriage.

Genetic causes of repeat miscarriage

Genetic abnormalities are a leading cause of repeat miscarriage. Genetic or chromosomal defects in embryos can happen randomly, or can be related to genetic issues with eggs or sperm. Such abnormalities become more common with advanced maternal age, which is related to declining egg quality.

Certain genetic abnormalities can cause an embryo to fail to develop normally, resulting in miscarriage. Genetic testing of both partners may be able to detect specific genetic causes of pregnancy loss.

When a genetic concern is identified in one or both partners, many people opt for IVF with genetic testing of embryos, called preimplantation genetic testing. Several types of genetic tests can pinpoint known genetic issues or ensure that an embryo’s chromosome count is normal. With this information, our Las Vegas miscarriage specialists may be able to transfer an embryo to your uterus that tests genetically normal, increasing the chances of pregnancy success and a healthy baby.

Structural issues in the uterus

Many women don’t realize they have uterine abnormalities until they try to become pregnant. Some women are born with a uterus that is an irregular shape or is divided into two parts, a condition known as a uterine septum. Others develop fibroids, scarring, or issues with blood supply to the uterus. All of these can make it difficult for an embryo to implant and for a normal pregnancy to develop.

If you come to our Las Vegas miscarriage specialists for answers, you will likely be encouraged to have a thorough examination of your uterus to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include:

• Ultrasound or saline ultrasound examination of your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries (also referred to as a sonohysterogram)
• Hystero-salpingo contrast sonogram (HyCoSy) or Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked.
• MRI scan of your reproductive organs
• Hysteroscopy, a test in which the doctor looks inside the uterine cavity with a tiny camera inserted through the cervix

If a uterine abnormality is found, chances are very good that it can be corrected with surgery or other treatment. Many women go on to have normal pregnancies after their uterine issues are corrected.

Recurrent pregnancy loss treatment for hormone and blood issues

Hormones can also play a role in recurrent pregnancy loss. Thyroid disease, diabetes and blood clotting disorders can also contribute to miscarriage, and may go undiagnosed until a woman runs into fertility issues.

Your fertility workup will include blood work to check for thyroid function and other hormone levels, especially those related to ovarian function. Blood work can also check for other issues that can cause miscarriage.

• Abnormal blood clotting factors
• Antiphospholipid antibodies
• Lupus anticoagulant

Many such issues can be corrected with medications, allowing for ongoing pregnancy success.

Hope for women who have had miscarriages

Sometimes, the cause of repeat miscarriage cannot be found, despite thorough testing by our Las Vegas miscarriage specialists. In such cases, our doctors may suggest fertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination and IVF, that involve close monitoring and may speed up your journey to having a baby.

Contact us to make an appointment to learn about our recurrent pregnancy loss treatment options, and find hope after repeat miscarriage.