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Can a miscarriage impact my fertility?
Miscarriage is spontaneous cessation of an ongoing pregnancy. It can happen in 25% of all cases, be it a pregnancy achieved naturally, or via an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) procedure.
The strongest signs of miscarriage are vaginal bleeding and hurtful sensations in the lower abdomen. However, experiencing these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean pregnancy loss. During the first trimester, patients can have mild spotting or bleeding that resolve on their own.
Achieving pregnancy through IVF treatment doesn’t increase miscarriage frequency overall. In fact, PGT-a (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) of embryos helps improve the probability of live birth.
Common Causes of Miscarriage
Embryo / fetus genetic abnormality is responsible most of the time. Uterine abnormalities, such as polyps and fibroids, are another major factor. Pregnancy loss can also occur against the backdrop of various somatic issues. These include abnormally high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders.
Debunking Myths: Understanding the Truth
Patients’ own actions and life circumstances, such as facing stress, having a lack of sleep or casually lifting weights are unlikely to cause a miscarriage alone. Having intercourse during pregnancy also does not increase miscarriage risks. If you had to have an abortion previously, it also does not mean that your current pregnancy is at a higher risk.
Of course, it is presumed that the woman stops smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
The Impact of Miscarriage on Fertility: The Science
Miscarriage and Recurrent Miscarriages
Recurrent miscarriage has a comparatively low probability, affecting 1-2% of fertile women. In half of all cases the reasons cannot be accurately diagnosed despite rigorous testing. Immune system disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome, as well as severe hormone imbalances may play an important role. Hormonal imbalances of prolactin, thyroid hormone or progesterone may also provoke miscarriage.
Pregnancy loss is often a one-time event. If a patient loses one pregnancy, it is not a predictor that the situation will emerge again. In most cases, the patient will get pregnant again in the future, and won’t experience a miscarriage again.
Fertility After a Single Miscarriage
A one-off miscarriage does not mean that it will repeat again. Some patients may plan pregnancy (embryo transfer) in the next menstrual cycle, while others should go through diagnostics and treatment which may take 3-6 months. Having a detailed plan confirmed by an OBGYN / REI specialist is certain to contribute to your success and peace of mind next time.
The Emotional Side of Fertility Recovery
Miscarriage is a deeply impactful event, and an emotional shock. Self-blame and search for reasons can lead to prolonged stress and even post-traumatic disorder. Support from family members and a therapist are extremely helpful when managing psychological consequences of a failed pregnancy.
Factors that Influence Fertility Beyond Miscarriage
Age and Fertility Decline
Fertility naturally declines with age, particularly sharply after 35. Due to reduced egg quality the probability of natural pregnancy shrinks to 5-10% by the time the woman turns 40. Other factors that can accelerate the decline and make it difficult to get pregnant are:
- Weight issues: obesity or anorexia
- Poor lifestyle choices: lack of quality nutrition, smoking, uncontrolled alcohol consumption
- Exposure to toxins: living in areas with poor air quality, radiation, industrial chemicals and/or heavy metals pollution
- Chronic conditions: PCOS, endometriosis (as well as other non-gynecologic comorbidities)
If you continuously fail to conceive, send us a request, and one of NGC’s doctors will review your reproductive situation and recommend treatment options.
Underlying Medical Conditions
The following causes may increase the miscarriage probability:
- Irregular karyotype (deviations in the number or structure of chromosomes),
- PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome),
- Untreated STIs (sexually transmitted infections),
- Endometriosis,
- Obesity (and other chronic health conditions).
These conditions require different risk management strategies. If you are planning a pregnancy and know that you are affected, refer to your doctor for advice. Carrying out a comprehensive check-up is always a great place to start.
Lifestyle Choices and Their Impact
Bad habits have a significant negative influence on eggs, sperm and fetus. Healthy lifestyle is often key to achieving a healthy pregnancy and carrying it to full term. Good nutrition is especially important.
While it goes without saying that smoking, drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs is completely unacceptable, pregnant women must be very cautious with medications of all sorts. It is necessary to get specialist’s approval so as not to jeopardize one’s pregnancy.
Focus on Comprehensive Fertility Evaluation
Holistic approach is a cornerstone to overcoming infertility. While IVF can help achieve pregnancy in more than 50% of patients, individual choices, such as healthy lifestyle and open communication with your doctor and your partner shouldn’t be understated.
