Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and IVF: When You Have Miscarried More Than Once

Bottom line up front: Recurrent pregnancy loss — defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages — affects 1–2% of couples trying to conceive. It is among the most emotionally devastating fertility experiences. IVF with preimplantation genetic testing can identify chromosomally normal embryos before transfer, addressing the most common cause of early pregnancy loss. Colombia offers comprehensive RPL workups and IVF with PGT-A at a fraction of US costs.

Why Recurrent Loss Happens

Miscarriage is far more common than most people realize. Roughly 15–25% of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage, and the majority — around 50–60% — are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. These are random events, not caused by anything the mother did or did not do.

When miscarriages recur, the likelihood of an underlying cause increases. The most common identified factors include chromosomal abnormalities (still the leading cause even in recurrent loss), uterine structural problems (septum, fibroids, polyps), thrombophilia (blood clotting disorders including antiphospholipid syndrome), hormonal imbalances (thyroid dysfunction, uncontrolled diabetes, progesterone insufficiency), and immunological factors (an area of active research with less scientific consensus).

In roughly 50% of RPL cases, no specific cause is identified even after thorough investigation. This is frustrating, but IVF with PGT-A can still improve outcomes by ensuring only chromosomally normal embryos are transferred.

The RPL Workup

A thorough investigation should include karyotyping for both partners (checking for balanced translocations or other chromosomal rearrangements), uterine evaluation via saline sonogram or hysteroscopy, thrombophilia panel (antiphospholipid antibodies, Factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation, protein C and S, antithrombin III), thyroid function tests, and assessment of ovarian reserve.

If you have had products of conception tested after a miscarriage and the results showed a chromosomal abnormality, that is actually useful information — it suggests the loss was caused by an embryo problem rather than a uterine or maternal health issue.

How IVF With PGT-A Helps

For couples with recurrent loss, IVF with PGT-A offers something natural conception cannot: the ability to select chromosomally normal embryos before they are transferred. The process works like this — eggs are retrieved and fertilized via IVF, embryos develop to the blastocyst stage (day 5–7), a small biopsy of cells is taken from each embryo and sent for genetic analysis, results identify which embryos are chromosomally normal (euploid), and only euploid embryos are transferred in a subsequent frozen cycle.

This does not guarantee a live birth — other factors can still affect implantation and pregnancy — but it eliminates the most common cause of loss and significantly improves per-transfer success rates.

When Parental Chromosomal Issues Are Found

In approximately 3–5% of RPL couples, one partner carries a balanced chromosomal translocation — a rearrangement where all genetic material is present but in a different configuration. Carriers are typically healthy themselves, but their eggs or sperm may produce embryos with unbalanced chromosomal arrangements that lead to miscarriage.

IVF with PGT-SR (preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements) can identify which embryos inherited a balanced arrangement and are viable for transfer. This is a specific and highly effective application of IVF technology for a defined genetic cause of recurrent loss.

Colombia for RPL Treatment

A comprehensive RPL investigation followed by IVF with PGT-A in the US can cost $25,000–$45,000 or more. In Colombia, the full diagnostic workup typically costs $500–$1,500, and IVF with PGT-A runs $6,000–$10,000 total including medications. This pricing difference matters enormously for couples who have already spent significant money on previous pregnancies and losses.

Read more: Cost Guide | IVF in Medellín | IVF in Bogotá