Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) afflicts 2-4% of reproductive-aged women and is defined as two or more pregnancy losses. A thorough evaluation is required to diagnose the cause of RPL. Causes include:
Immune factors
- Anatomic factors (e.g. abnormalities in the anatomy of the uterus)
- Genetic factors, in a woman, her male partner, or the fetus
- Endocrine factors (e.g. thyroid disease, diabetes),
- Thrombophilia factors (i.e. blood clotting disorders),
- Immune Factors (e.g. Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome)
- Environmental factors, which may be found at work, at home or following certain medical procedures
- Lifestyle issues (e.g. tobacco use or heavy alcohol use)
- Infections
