Our initial evaluation usually focuses on the woman's Fertility Care chart together with timed hormone evaluation to assess for subtle deficiencies of Progesterone or Oestradiol 17 beta in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. If these hormone levels are found to be below the normal range treatment is given to correct the underlying abnormality. In cases where hormonal evaluation is completely normal we would recommend further surgical evaluation of the woman's uterus (womb). We recommend investigations such as a hysterosalpingogram or hysteroscopy to evaluate the uterine cavity. In addition an endometrial biopsy is taken to evaluate for a possible low-grade endometrial infection which can sometimes contribute to the cause of miscarriage.
We send additional blood tests to evaluate for chromosomal or blood clotting abnormalities and we evaluate for other physical illnesses, which the woman may have and are recognised to contribute to recurrent miscarriage.
Environmental and lifestyle factors are often very significant contributors to miscarriage. In particular excessive alcohol and cigarette smoking together with a busy stressful working environment or other lifestyle stress may be the primary reasons why the couple are having miscarriages.
The Fertility Care and NaProTechnology approach to managing recurrent miscarriage is one of searching for the underlying problem and treating whatever we find. Interestingly, Endometriosis can be a significant cause of recurrent miscarriage for some couples. In addition once the couple does conceive we recommend ongoing hormone support during pregnancy with intramuscular Progesterone injections and HCG support. This is gradually reduced and discontinued depending on the results of Progesterone blood tests taken every two weeks during the early stages of pregnancy.
If a couple miscarry with their first attempt at treatment we often recommend having at least one further attempt with this approach before giving up. We often modify treatment for subsequent attempts that may improve the chances of success.
Nearly 80% of couples will eventually have successful treatment using this approach. Couples with a history of eight to nine previous miscarriages have now had successful pregnancies using this system, but unfortunately it does not work for everybody. In most instances it is certainly worth a try. Treatment is safe and minimally invasive and significantly increases your chances of having a successful pregnancy.
Evaluation of NaProTechnology (NPT) treatment for couples with 6 or more recurrent miscarriages...SEE STUDY ABSTRACT ....HERE
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