Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)

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Treatment for the Recurrent Loss of Pregnancy

Suffering a miscarriage can be an intensely emotional and distressing experience. Approximately 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage – however, the commonality of this occurrence doesn’t make it any less painful.
When a woman suffers three or more consecutive miscarriages during the first 20 weeks of gestation, it’s referred to as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, many couples desire investigations after 2 consecutive losses.

At Ontario Fertility Network, we understand the journey you have been through. If you’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, or a single pregnancy loss, we encourage you to speak with a specialist. Our world-class fertility team will screen you for possible causes, and match you with a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Our specialists work closely with programs led by nationally renowned RPL specialists, Dr. Carl Laskin, and Dr. Sony Sierra.  We are proud to offer unparalleled expertise to help patients who have struggled with repetitive miscarriages achieve their family dreams.

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Treating Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Stage 1: Testing

Your fertility specialists will first run a series of tests to determine the cause of recurrent miscarriage. Up to 50% of the time, doctors are able to pinpoint the underlying factors and treat them in an effort to reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Stage 2: Monitoring

Once pregnant, you will be closely monitored by our team during the early stages of pregnancy.We monitor BHCG levels and follow you until we demonstrate a + FH and normal intra-uterine pregnancy.

Stage 3: Re-evaluating

If you are unable to carry a pregnancy to term, or if you are having a difficult time conceiving again, your medical team will re-evaluate your fertility treatment plan. They may review additional fertility solutions, such as cycle monitoring or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Alternative treatment options available include: clinical trials, research studies, experimental methods, and new technology.

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FAQs

What can I do to reduce the risk of miscarriage?
While for most women miscarriages cannot be fully prevented, there are some things that can help reduce the risks. These include maintaining a healthy BMI, reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and following doctors’ orders. At Ontario Fertility Network, we offer a comprehensive natural preconception program alongside our partners, Conceive Health.
Are there any tests that can help reduce the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)?

Depending on the individual, there may be some tests and treatments available to correct issues to help with recurrent pregnancy loss. Up to 50% of RPL cases can be attributed to specific issues, determined by tests, that can be treated to improve the chance of carrying to full-term. For the other 50%, medical monitoring and medication may be the best option.

What are the known risk factors for miscarriage or RPL?

Miscarriages are oftentimes caused by random genetic errors that are out of our control. However, known risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss include:

  • Genetics
  • Structural issues
  • Hormonal issues
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Microscopic blood clotting issues
  • The male factor (ie. the health of the sperm)
  • Lifestyle
  • Age
What are the treatment options for RPL?

Often the utilization of progesterone therapy in the luteal phase combined with ASA can make a significant difference for increased success rates. 

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is one option that is useful for those whose issues are rooted in genetics, and for some intended mothers who are over age 35. There are also procedures that may be used to correct any abnormalities in the uterus.

Your medical team at Ontario Fertility Network will discuss the options available to you and help you arrive at the best treatment path.

How effective is medical monitoring?
Medical monitoring is able to improve a woman’s odds of successfully carrying her baby to term as much as 70%.
What happens if no known cause for RPL can be determined?
For the 50% of patients who have undetermined causes, monitoring may be the best method. Fertility treatment interventions may also be necessary if the individual has difficulty conceiving again. The good news is that for half of those with no known cause, they are able to have a successful pregnancy without invasive interventions.

Testimonial

“I found the nurses to be very kind and cheerful and Dr Moreau to be very nice. Once I got pregnant (which serendipitously happened naturally before treatment started), they continued to provide me with a great level of care in the early weeks of pregnancy (beta tests, early ultrasound to confirm viability, etc)

I know that everyone’s fertility journey is different, but I am very happy with my experience at BFC [Barrie Fertility Clinic].”

Emily Baillie

Patient

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