Written by: Dr. Vasiliki Moragianni, a Reproductive Endocrinologist for CCRM Fertility of Northern Virginia
Miscarriage is one of the most devastating and emotionally taxing experiences that a couple can face. Sadly, it is a relatively common occurrence affecting roughly one in five pregnancies. A small percentage of women (1-2%) will have three or more consecutive, spontaneous miscarriages. The cause of recurrent miscarriages is complex in nature and can vary from autoimmune disorders to uterine abnormalities. Frustrating to both patients and physicians, nearly half of couples with recurrent miscarriages have no identifiable cause.
Many couples come to CCRM clinics after multiple miscarriages. They are emotionally exhausted from the devastation of their experiences and come to us with the cautious hope that we may be able to help.
Until recently, it was thought that there was no effective clinical treatment for couples with recurrent miscarriages.
Fortunately, CCRM’s world-class research team has changed that. CCRM researchers have pioneered a technique that examines the chromosomes of a five-day-old embryo (called a blastocyst), assessing them for completeness. The CCRM team can then select and transfer (using IVF) those blastocysts that have 23 pairs of chromosomes, greatly increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. This treatment, known as comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS), has allowed CCRM to offer renewed hope to couples that once believed they could not have a child.
Our team’s hearts go out to any of you that are struggling with one miscarriage, multiple miscarriages, or the loss of an infant. Working closely everyday with couples that have experienced these hardships, we understand how painful it is.
We can often positively change the outcome for couples with health issues that result in recurrent miscarriage. We are excited about the opportunity that CCS has given couples to have the families they’ve dreamed of, and we plan on continuing to pioneer research that will open even more doors for couples wanting families.
