Miscarriage & Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Specialists in Arizona
Miscarriage and Chromosome Abnormalities
A vast majority of miscarriages are due to developmental problems in the pregnancy itself.
Sporadic chromosome abnormalities occurring by chance account for 60-70% of pregnancy failures and become more frequent as women enter their mid to late 30’s.
Most chromosomally abnormal conceptions are not compatible with life and fail to implant at all. However, some chromosomally abnormal conceptions can result in pregnancy, miscarriage, and, much less frequently, the live birth of an affected child.
When a woman suffers a miscarriage, we do not always have an opportunity to confirm that the pregnancy was chromosomally abnormal because chromosome analysis requires careful collection and preservation of the pregnancy tissue after a spontaneous loss or dilation and curettage (D&C).
Often, we just have to assume that the pregnancy was chromosomally abnormal, since this is the primary cause for miscarriage across all age groups, especially in women older than 35.
Chromosome testing has two advantages.
It will tell you the chromosome make-up of the pregnancy, letting you know if the chromosomes were normal or not and, if abnormal, whether it was due to a spontaneous chromosome abnormality or one that was carried by either of the parents.
CCRM Fertility of Arizona does not routinely recommend chromosome testing on the first miscarriage unless the couple wants to know the reason why the pregnancy was lost.
However, if a woman has already had one or more losses, then our team feels strongly that she should be given the option of doing chromosome testing on the products of conception (POC) because the results can explain why the pregnancy did not continue, and indicate whether or not a work-up for non-chromosomal causes of pregnancy loss could be in order.
Other Causes for Recurrent Miscarriages
Outside of sporadic chromosome abnormalities, there are multiple risk factors and conditions that can predispose a woman to pregnancy loss. ACFS will thoroughly evaluate its patients with RPL to ensure that none of the following causes are missed:
- Uterine anatomical factors – fibroids, polyps, uterine adhesions (synechiae or scar tissue), adenomyosis, and congenital uterine abnormalities (e.g. septate/bicornuate uteri)
- Endocrine/hormonal factors – estrogen/progesterone deficiencies, thyroid abnormalities, prolactin excess, and diabetes/insulin resistance
- Infections – chronic endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus) and pathologic mycoplasma/ureaplasma carriage
- Genetics – Parental balanced chromosome translocations (these lead to a higher probability of chromosomally abnormal conceptions), MTHFR deficiency (poor folic acid metabolism), Factor V Leiden deficiency, and prothrombin gene mutation
- Vascular/clotting disorders – Factor V Leiden deficiency, prothrombin gene mutation, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), protein C and S deficiency, and elevated homocysteine
- Immune conditions – thyroid autoimmunity, Celiac disease, systemic autoimmune diseases (e.g. Lupus), and possibly other immune conditions/incompatibilities that lack a scientifically proven connection at this time
Finding the right fertility specialist is not always an easy task when you are looking for a fertility clinic in Arizona that can accommodate your needs. The providers at CCRM have a great deal of experience with different fertility issues and we feel confident that we can find a solution that will be best for you.
Evaluation and Treatment of RPL
We evaluate RPL with a thorough review of each patient’s history, pelvic ultrasound and saline sonohysterography, serum and urine testing, cervical/vaginal cultures, and endometrial biopsy as appropriate. Treatment is aimed at the suspected underlying problem and may include:
- surgical correction of uterine anatomical factors
- superovulation with fertility medications and luteal phase support to foster a better hormonal environment
- treatment of infections or immunologic disorders
- antiplatelet and/or anti-clotting treatment in the case of known or suspected clotting disorders
- IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to prevent the most common cause of miscarriage—chromosomally abnormal pregnancy
In more extreme cases, IVF with donor eggs or a gestational carrier may provide an opportunity to have a child by overcoming severe egg or uterine factors that have led to repeated miscarriages in the past. Donor sperm may also be considered if the male partner carries a chromosome abnormality that is likely to result in chromosomally abnormal conceptions and miscarriage.
Too often, women who suffer through multiple miscarriages are told to “just keep trying.” With the advanced diagnostic and treatment options now available to our patients, women should not have to count on luck that their next pregnancy will be ok.
Are Fertility Treatments Covered by Insurance in Arizona?
Insurance coverage for fertility treatment is variable and determined by your employer’s insurance plan. The state of Arizona does not require employers or insurers to offer benefits for fertility treatment. As a consequence, most patients can complete the majority of their diagnostic evaluations through insurance without major financial impact, but the costs for fertility-specific treatments, such as IUI and IVF, remain a significant out-of-pocket expense for most Arizona residents. If this situation applies to you, then you should not feel forced to choose a fertility clinic that contracts with your insurance company because the treatment portion of your care (the most important part) will not be covered by your insurance whether you are working with an in-network facility or not. You should instead choose the fertility center offering outstanding results and the best overall fit for your needs.
- Aetna Healthcare
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Cigna Healthcare
- Coventry Health/First Health Network
- Humana
- MultiPlan/PHCS (Private Health Care Systems)
- TRICARE
- UnitedHealthcare
