Reproductive Loss Frequently Asked Questions

We don't have any trouble getting pregnant, but I always miscarry before 8 weeks. Why?

Further testing is needed to rule out various problems. However, your husband may have a high percentage of fragmented DNA in his sperm. The egg will accept the damaged sperm, but the embryo will cease to divide, eventually resulting in a miscarriage.

I don't have difficulty getting pregnant, but I continue to miscarry. I have been advised to "keep trying." Is this a wise course of action?

We advise all our patients experiencing recurrent miscarriage to PREVENT CONCEPTION until they have been fully evaluated and diagnosed appropriately. By continuing the miscarriage cycle, you can actually create a worse situation requiring more aggressive therapy.

I am over 35 years of age, why am I having so much trouble getting pregnant?

As women age, their eggs age as well. By age 42, 90% of women's eggs are genetically abnormal. This greatly reduces the chance a woman trying to conceive later in life will be able to take home a baby using her eggs.

Does my husband's age matter?

Yes, age also affects how the sperm interacts with eggs. As a man ages, particularly if he is over age 46, the percentage of fragmented DNA in his sperm begins to increase. If over 30% of the DNA is fragmented, a viable pregnancy is unlikely.

I had In Vitro Fertilization and did not become pregnant. I've been advised to "keep trying until one sticks." How many attempts will be needed before I become pregnant?

Obviously, there are no guarantees that IVF will work for you. To improve your odds of conceiving through IVF, a complete evaluation of your medical history, physical exam, and laboratory tests will be required. Usually, a "fresh look" will detect other factors, which can be addressed to help improve your odds of success. Please call Dr. McLaughlin's office at the Women's Specialty Health Centers for an appointment (866-322-2263) to help you become parents as soon as possible!