Miscarriage frequency increases with age. Women in their 20s have the lowest miscarriage risk at around 10-15%. After 30, risk starts rising; after age 40, miscarriage rates peak.
At the Fertility & Gynecology Center - Monterey Bay IVF, our compassionate experts know what you're facing. We understand the exhilaration of a positive pregnancy test and the devastation of losing a much-wanted baby. If you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriages, you may wonder why they keep happening.
Our internationally renowned world renowned board-certified OB/GYN and infertility specialist, Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, offers expert insight into the cause of recurrent pregnancy loss — and we also have solutions.
Here are five causes of recurrent miscarriages.
The most common cause of miscarriage is an abnormal number of chromosomes in the embryo. Some couples have a genetic condition called chromosomal translocation, which can lead to repeated losses. Genetic mutations may also contribute to miscarriages.
Genetic testing and IVF with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can help identify and select healthy embryos.
The uterus must be in good condition for pregnancy. Issues like uterine fibroids, polyps, or scar tissue can disrupt implantation and increase the risk of miscarriage.
A pelvic ultrasound or hysteroscopy can help detect these conditions, which are often correctable with minimally invasive procedures.
Conditions like Factor V Leiden and antiphospholipid syndrome can cause excessive blood clotting, cutting off nutrients to the developing baby.
A blood test can diagnose these disorders, and treatment with blood thinners like aspirin or heparin can reduce miscarriage risk.
Hormones play a huge role in maintaining pregnancy. Low progesterone, thyroid disorders, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all contribute to miscarriage.
If necessary, treatment may include hormone therapy, hCG, thyroid medication, or ovulation induction.
Undiagnosed infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or chronic vaginal infections, can lead to pregnancy loss. STD tests are also part of early pregnancy evaluations.
Testing and treatment with antibiotics can help prevent future miscarriages.
At Monterey Bay IVF, we offer advanced testing and personalized care to help you find answers.
Dr. Ramirez typically prescribes medications during and after each ovulation cycle, such as low-dose baby aspirin, heparin, medrol, and progesterone supplements.
Depending on the cause of your miscarriages, treatment options may also include surgical treatment of fibroids or other uterine conditions and, where needed, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI.)
Our team provides the most advanced fertility treatments to ensure you have the highest possible chance of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
If you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages, you don’t have to go through it alone. Call the Fertility & Gynecology Center - Monterey Bay IVF at 831-649-4483 or schedule your consultation online.
