What is recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)?

2016: ASRM has updated their fact sheet to include DES as a cause of recurrent pregnancy loss

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss PATIENT’S FACT SHEET
ASRM is a non-profit organization devoted to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive medicine including infertility, menopause, and sexuality

Abstract:
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a disease distinct from infertility, defined by two or more failed pregnancies. When the cause is unknown, each pregnancy loss merits careful review to determine whether specific evaluation may be appropriate. After three or more losses, a thorough evaluation is warranted. Although approximately 25% of all recognized pregnancies result in miscarriage, less than 5% of women will experience two consecutive miscarriages, and only 1% experience three or more. Couples who experience recurrent pregnancy loss may benefit from a medical evaluation and psychological support.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine includes:

  • Genetic/Chromosomal Causes
  • Age
  • Hormonal Abnormalities
  • Metabolic Abnormalities
  • Uterine Abnormalities
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome
  • Thrombophilias
  • Male factor
  • Unexplained

No explanation is found in 50% to 75% of couples with recurrent pregnancy losses. Here’s an explanation: the chance of miscarriages increases if a women has been exposed to DES, synthetic estrogens, BPA, Endocrine Disruptors…  ! ! !

A problem with the shape of a woman’s uterus might be a cause for pregnancy loss. Causes for abnormal shape of the uterus can be genetic or exposure before birth to medications such as diethylstilbestrol (DES).

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Revised 2016.
Full Patient Fact Sheet: What is recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)?

Related posts

DES Daughters

DES daughters have a higher risk of recurrent miscarriages.
If you know or think you may have been exposed to DES it’s important to inform your doctor and gynaecologist.

More DES DiEthylStilbestrol Resources

6 thoughts on “What is recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)?”

  1. I had been told with my first husband that I couldn’t carry a child to term. I had 5 miscarriages with him. They thought it was the DES. I believe it was combination of my DES and my first husband.

    But with my second husband, we had five children… all full term….two miscarriages, first two babies I had pre-term labor and was put on terbutiline (sp) for the last three months of my pregnancies. My last three, I had after I retired from the Navy and not one problem….no stress. I lost a fraternal twin with my last baby. My daughter survived, but lost her brother at eight weeks. I thought I had lost them both…but she hung in there till full term. My babies were not big.
    Amy

  2. How frustrating! This is not the only document around, published in the name of “science”, to have ignored DES as a contributory risk factor. It’s a disgrace.
    Carol

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