Recurrent Miscarriage

Recurrent Miscarriage Treatment in Turkey: Hope and Solutions for a Healthy Pregnancy

What causes recurrent miscarriage? Learn about clotting disorders, genetic factors, and uterine septum. Discover diagnostic tests and advanced treatments with Dr. Cengiz Andan in Istanbul.

Don’t Give Up: Every Loss is a Clue to Finding a Solution

For a couple, seeing those two lines on a pregnancy test is a moment of pure joy. But when that joy repeatedly turns into grief, and the silence replaces the heartbeat you longed to hear, the devastation is indescribable. Medically known as Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (Habitual Abortion), this condition is physically and emotionally exhausting.

Defined as the loss of two or more pregnancies before 20 weeks, this diagnosis does not mean you will never have a child. On the contrary, with modern genetic and anatomical investigations available in Turkey, we can often find the underlying cause and guide you to a successful birth.

At Dr. Cengiz Andan’s Clinic, we offer not just medical expertise but compassionate support throughout this journey. Our goal is to meticulously investigate the causes and help you hold a healthy baby in your arms.

1. Why Does This Keep Happening? (Hidden Causes)

The reasons behind recurrent miscarriages can be singular or complex.

1. Genetic Factors (50-60%):This is the most common cause. It is often nature’s “quality control” mechanism. If an embryo has a genetic error (chromosomal abnormality), the body stops the pregnancy.

• Parental Source: One parent may carry a balanced translocation (a rearrangement of chromosome parts) without knowing it.
• Embryonic Source: Spontaneous errors in the egg or sperm quality.

1. Anatomical (Uterine) Issues (15-20%):Physical barriers in the “home” where the baby grows.

• Uterine Septum: A wall dividing the uterus, reducing space and blood supply for the baby.
• Fibroids & Polyps: Growths inside the cavity that disrupt implantation.
• Intrauterine Adhesions (Asherman’s): Scar tissue from previous D&Cs.
• Cervical Insufficiency: The cervix opens too early, unable to hold the pregnancy (usually causes 2nd-trimester loss).

1. Clotting Disorders (Thrombophilia):The mother’s blood is prone to clotting. Tiny clots form in the placenta, cutting off blood flow to the baby.
2. Hormonal & Immunological Causes:

• Thyroid & Diabetes: Uncontrolled thyroid or sugar levels.
• PCOS: Can affect egg quality.
• Immune System: The body mistakenly attacks the pregnancy (Antiphospholipid Syndrome).

2. Diagnosis: Investigating Like a Detective

Standard tests are not enough. We go deeper:

1. Genetic Testing (Karyotype): Blood tests for both parents to check chromosomes.
2. HSG (Dye Test) & Hysteroscopy: To check the uterus shape. Hysteroscopy (looking inside with a camera) is the gold standard.
3. Thrombophilia Panel: Genetic tests for clotting disorders.
4. Hormone Profile: TSH, Prolactin, and Insulin resistance.

3. Treatment Options: The Path to a Healthy Baby

The treatment depends on the “culprit” we find.

1. Surgical Solutions:If the cause is a septum, polyp, or fibroid, Hysteroscopic Surgery(incision-free) can correct the anatomy. Pregnancy success rates increase dramatically after this.
2. Medical Treatments:

• Blood Thinners: Daily injections (Low Molecular Weight Heparin) and aspirin throughout pregnancy can save the baby’s life if a clotting disorder is found.
• Hormonal Support: Progesterone supplements or thyroid medication.
• Immune Therapies: Specialized treatments for immune-related losses.

1. IVF with Genetic Screening (PGT-A):If the cause is genetic and healthy embryos aren’t occurring naturally, IVF is used. Before transfer, embryos are screened with PGT-A. Only chromosomally normal embryos are transferred, minimizing miscarriage risk.
2. Unexplained Loss: Is There Hope?

In about 50% of couples, all tests come back normal. This is called “Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.” While frustrating, this group actually has the best prognosis. With close monitoring and Tender Loving Care (supportive care), 70-80% of these couples succeed in their next pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I had one miscarriage; do I need testing?Answer:Generally, no. 15-20% of all first pregnancies end in miscarriage, usually due to bad luck (random genetic error). However, after 2 or more losses, investigation is mandatory.
2. Will blood thinner injections hurt the baby?Answer:No. These injections do not cross the placenta. They are safe for the baby and are lifesavers for mothers with clotting disorders.
3. Is surgery for a uterine septum difficult?Answer:Hysteroscopic septum resection is a comfortable, 20-30 minute procedure done through the vagina without abdominal cuts. Patients go home the same day, and recovery is fast.
4. Does stress cause miscarriage?Answer:Daily stress or sudden frights do not directly cause miscarriage. The causes are biological. You should not blame yourself. However, chronic stress can affect hormones, so psychological support is beneficial.
5. When should I see a doctor for my next pregnancy?Answer:As soon as you miss a period (or get a positive home test). Some treatments (like blood thinners or progesterone) need to start at the very beginning of pregnancy.

Dr. Cengiz Andan understands the emotional weight of recurrent loss. With scientific solutions and compassionate care, he aims to break this cycle and help you bring your baby home.