Finding out you have tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating. But here is what you need to know first: a positive STD result is a medical diagnosis, not a moral judgment. STDs are common, treatable, and manageable, and getting tested in the first place was the responsible and courageous thing to do. What matters most now is what you do next.

Take a Breath and Get the Facts

The first and most important step after a positive result is to get accurate information from your healthcare provider. Not all STDs are the same. Some, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are fully curable with antibiotics. Others, like herpes and HIV, are manageable chronic conditions that millions of people live full, healthy, and fulfilling lives with. Understanding exactly what you have been diagnosed with, how it is transmitted, how it is treated, and what it means for your health going forward is essential before drawing any conclusions.

Start Treatment Promptly

Early treatment is critical for protecting both your health and the health of your partners. Depending on your diagnosis your provider will recommend:

• Antibiotics for bacterial STDs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which are fully curable when treated correctly and completely
• Antiviral medications for viral STDs including herpes and HIV, which control the virus, reduce symptoms, and significantly lower the risk of transmission
• Follow-up testing after treatment for bacterial STDs to confirm the infection has cleared, which the CDC recommends routinely for chlamydia and gonorrhea

It is critical to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms resolve early, and to avoid sexual contact until your provider confirms the infection has cleared.

Tell Your Recent Partners

Partner notification is one of the most important and often most difficult steps after an STD diagnosis. People you have had sexual contact with need to know so they can get tested and treated, preventing further spread and protecting their own health. You can notify partners directly and personally, or use anonymous notification services. Many health departments offer partner notification assistance where a health professional contacts your partners without revealing your identity. Research published in Sexually Transmitted Infections confirms that partner notification significantly reduces reinfection rates and community STD transmission.

Understand Your Reinfection Risk

Being treated for an STD does not make you immune to reinfection. If your partner or partners are not also tested and treated, reinfection is likely. Research from the CDC found that reinfection with chlamydia within a few months of treatment is extremely common and significantly increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and long-term reproductive damage. Using condoms consistently and correctly, getting retested after treatment, and ensuring partners are treated are all essential steps in breaking the cycle of reinfection.

Assess Your Reproductive Health

Certain STDs, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea, can silently damage the fallopian tubes and reproductive tract even after the infection has been treated. If you have had a prolonged or repeated infection, your provider may recommend:

• Pelvic examination to assess for signs of pelvic inflammatory disease
• Imaging to evaluate the fallopian tubes and reproductive organs
• Fertility evaluation if you are planning to conceive or have concerns about reproductive damage
• Referral to a reproductive specialist if tubal damage is suspected

Addressing potential reproductive impact early gives you the best chance of protecting your future fertility.

Protect Your Mental Health

An STD diagnosis can trigger a wide range of emotions including shame, anger, anxiety, and fear about relationships and the future. These feelings are completely normal and valid. However it is important not to let stigma prevent you from getting the care you need. Speaking with a counselor or therapist who is experienced in sexual health can help you process the diagnosis and navigate conversations with partners. Many Planned Parenthood locations and sexual health clinics also offer counseling services alongside medical care.

Research published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that the psychological impact of an STD diagnosis is often more distressing than the physical symptoms, highlighting the importance of addressing emotional wellbeing as part of comprehensive STD care.

Commit to Ongoing Sexual Health

A positive STD result is an opportunity to reset and take a more proactive approach to your sexual health going forward. Steps that protect your long-term health include:

• Getting tested regularly based on your level of sexual activity and number of partners
• Using condoms consistently with new or non-monogamous partners
• Discussing STD status openly with new partners before sexual contact
• Staying current on vaccinations including HPV and hepatitis B
• Considering PrEP if you are at ongoing risk for HIV exposure
• Scheduling annual well-woman exams that include STD screening

When to Follow Up with Your Doctor

You should return to your provider if symptoms persist or worsen after treatment, if you develop new symptoms including pelvic pain, fever, or unusual discharge, if you are concerned about reinfection, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you have questions about how your diagnosis affects your long-term reproductive or sexual health.

A diagnosis is not the end of anything. With the right care and information it is the beginning of taking your health seriously.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., et al. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1-187.
cdc.gov [1]

Fortenberry, J. D., McFarlane, M., Bleakley, A., et al. (2002). Relationships of stigma and shame to gonorrhea and HIV screening. American Journal of Public Health, 92(3), 378–381.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867314/ 

Hocking, J. S., Rebecca, G., David, R., et al. (2018). Population effectiveness of opportunistic chlamydia testing in primary care in Australia: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 392(10156), 1413-1422. nih.gov

O’Connor, E. E., Wiesenfeld, H. C., Meyn, L. A., et al. (2014). Relationship between psychiatric disorders and sexually transmitted disease risk. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 76(4), 312-317
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399913004583 

The post What to Do if You Test Positive for an STD appeared first on IvanaMd.

Exercise is widely known for its benefits to the heart, metabolism, and mental health. But its impact on reproductive health is equally significant and far less talked about. For women, regular physical activity is one of the most powerful lifestyle tools available for supporting hormonal balance, menstrual health, fertility, and long-term gynecological wellbeing.

How Exercise Influences Reproductive Hormones

Physical activity directly affects the hormonal systems that govern reproductive health. Regular moderate exercise improves insulin sensitivity, reduces excess estrogen, lowers cortisol, and supports healthy body weight, all of which are critical factors in maintaining hormonal balance. A study published in Human Reproduction found that women who engaged in regular moderate exercise had significantly more regular menstrual cycles and better hormonal profiles compared to sedentary women.

Exercise and Menstrual Health

Regular physical activity has a measurable positive impact on menstrual health. Research published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion found that women who exercised regularly experienced significantly less menstrual pain and shorter duration of painful periods compared to those who did not exercise. Exercise reduces prostaglandin production, the hormone-like compounds responsible for uterine contractions and cramping, and increases endorphin release which acts as a natural painkiller.

Benefits of regular exercise for menstrual health include:

• Reduced severity of menstrual cramps
• More regular and predictable cycle lengths
• Decreased PMS and PMDD symptoms
• Lighter periods in some women
• Improved mood and reduced emotional symptoms around menstruation

Exercise and PCOS

For women with polycystic ovary syndrome, exercise is one of the most evidence-based interventions available. PCOS is driven largely by insulin resistance, and physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve insulin sensitivity without medication. A systematic review published in Human Reproduction found that regular exercise significantly reduced androgen levels, improved menstrual regularity, and promoted ovulation in women with PCOS. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training showed benefit, with a combination of both producing the strongest results.

Exercise and Fertility

The relationship between exercise and fertility is nuanced. Moderate regular exercise supports fertility by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, supporting healthy body weight, and promoting regular ovulation. However excessive high intensity exercise can have the opposite effect. A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that vigorous exercise for more than five hours per week was associated with a reduced chance of successful fertility treatment outcomes in some women, particularly those who were already at a healthy weight.

The sweet spot for reproductive health appears to be:

• 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Two to three sessions of resistance training per week
• Avoiding extreme endurance training or excessive calorie deficit alongside intense exercise

Exercise and Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis often avoid exercise due to pain, but research suggests regular physical activity may actually help manage the condition. A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women with endometriosis who exercised regularly reported significantly lower pain scores and better quality of life compared to those who were sedentary. Exercise reduces systemic inflammation, lowers circulating estrogen, and boosts endorphins, all of which contribute to pain reduction in endometriosis.

Exercise During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Regular exercise during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, excessive weight gain, and postpartum depression. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women with uncomplicated pregnancies engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week throughout pregnancy.

Postpartum exercise supports pelvic floor recovery, improves mood, reduces the risk of postpartum depression, and helps restore core strength and stability. Beginning with gentle walking and pelvic floor exercises and gradually progressing under the guidance of a healthcare provider is the safest approach in the early postpartum period.

Types of Exercise Best Suited for Reproductive Health

Not all exercise affects reproductive health equally. Research supports the following types for women’s hormonal and reproductive wellbeing:

• Aerobic exercise including walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing which improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health
• Resistance training which supports healthy testosterone balance, improves insulin sensitivity, and maintains lean muscle mass
• Yoga and Pilates which reduce cortisol, support pelvic floor function, and have been shown to reduce menstrual pain and PMS symptoms
• Low impact exercise during high pain days which keeps the body moving without exacerbating inflammation or discomfort

When Exercise May Be Hurting Rather Than Helping

While regular moderate exercise benefits reproductive health, certain patterns of exercise can disrupt it. Signs that exercise may be negatively affecting your hormonal health include:

• Loss of menstrual periods, known as exercise-induced amenorrhea
• Significant unintentional weight loss alongside intense training
• Chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest
• Mood changes, irritability, or depression associated with training
• Difficulty conceiving despite trying for several months

These symptoms may indicate relative energy deficiency in sport, a condition in which the body does not have enough energy to support both exercise demands and normal reproductive function. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that relative energy deficiency in sport significantly disrupts reproductive hormones and menstrual function and requires medical evaluation and dietary correction.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you are experiencing menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, or reproductive health symptoms and are unsure how your exercise habits may be contributing, speak with your women’s health provider. A thorough evaluation can determine whether your current activity level is supporting or hindering your reproductive health and guide you toward the right balance for your body and your goals.

Movement is medicine, but like all medicine, the right dose matters.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Gudmundsdottir, S. L., Flanders, W. D., & Augestad, L. B. (2009). Physical activity and fertility in women: the North-Trøndelag Health Study. Human Reproduction, 24(12), 3196-3204. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19801570/

Dehnavi, Z. M., Jafarnejad, F., & Kamili, Z. (2018). The Effect of aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea: A clinical trial study. Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, 6(1),.https://www.bisp-surf.de/Record/ftdoajarticles%3Aoai%3Adoaj.org%2Farticle%3A958afe89243b4794a2fcd0eaabab0d53

Butt, M. S., Saleem, J., Zakar, R., et al. (2023). Benefits of physical activity on reproductive health functions among polycystic ovarian syndrome women: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 882. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-023-15730-8 [1, 2]

Wise, L. A., Rothman, K. J., Mikkelsen, E. M., et al. (2012). A prospective cohort study of physical activity and time to pregnancy. Fertility and Sterility, 97(5), 1136-1142. nih.gov

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For decades, medicine treated the mind and body as separate systems. Today, science tells a very different story. In women’s health particularly, the connection between mental and emotional wellbeing and physical health is not just real, it is profound, measurable, and clinically significant.

What Is the Mind-Body Connection?

The mind-body connection refers to the bidirectional relationship between psychological states and physical health outcomes. Thoughts, emotions, stress, and trauma do not stay contained in the brain. They trigger hormonal responses, immune reactions, and physiological changes throughout the entire body.

Stress and Hormonal Health

Chronic stress is one of the most damaging forces in women’s hormonal health. When the body perceives stress, the adrenal glands release cortisol. When cortisol remains chronically elevated it disrupts the entire hormonal axis. Research published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that chronic psychological stress significantly suppresses reproductive hormones including estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone, directly affecting menstrual regularity, ovulation, and fertility.

Women under chronic stress commonly experience:

• Irregular or missed periods
• Worsening PMS and PMDD symptoms
• Reduced libido
• Difficulty conceiving
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Trauma and Gynecological Health

The link between psychological trauma and gynecological conditions is one of the most important and least discussed areas of women’s health. A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women with a history of physical or sexual abuse had significantly higher rates of chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, and functional gynecological disorders compared to women without trauma histories.

Mental Health and Menstrual Health

The relationship between mental health and menstrual health runs in both directions. Research published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health found that women with clinically significant anxiety had substantially more severe premenstrual symptoms and greater menstrual pain. Treating the mental health condition often improved the physical menstrual symptoms without any direct gynecological intervention.

Practical Ways to Strengthen the Mind-Body Connection

• Daily mindfulness or meditation practice even for ten minutes has measurable hormonal benefits
• Regular moderate exercise which reduces cortisol and supports menstrual health
• Prioritizing sleep since sleep deprivation dysregulates cortisol and reproductive hormones
• Seeking therapy or counseling to process trauma, anxiety, or depression that may be manifesting physically
• An anti-inflammatory diet that supports both gut health and hormonal balance

When to Talk to Your Gynecologist

If you are experiencing mood changes tied to your cycle, chronic pelvic pain with no clear physical explanation, or mental health symptoms that worsen around hormonal changes, bring it up at your next appointment. A comprehensive approach to women’s health must address the whole woman, not just her reproductive organs.

Your mental health is your physical health. In women’s medicine the two are inseparable.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9635069/ [1]

Leserman, J., Drossman, D. A., Li, Z., Toomey, T. C., Nachman, G., & Glogau, L. (1996). Sexual and physical abuse history in gastroenterology practice: How types of abuse impact health status. Psychosomatic Medicine, 58(1), 4–15.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8677288/ [1]

Rooney, K. L., & Domar, A. D. (2018). The relationship between stress and infertility. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 20(1), 41–47.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29946210/

Wittchen, H. U., Perkonigg, A., & Pfister, H. (2003). Trauma and PTSD – an overlooked pathogenic pathway for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 6(2), 115–123.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14628182/ [1]

The post Mind-Body Connection in Women’s Health appeared first on IvanaMd.

Having a baby is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman’s life. But for many new mothers, the weeks and months that follow delivery bring something far more complicated than joy. Postpartum depression is a serious, common, and highly treatable medical condition, and understanding its signs and its deep connection to gynecological and hormonal health is the first step toward getting the right help.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression, commonly referred to as PPD, is a mood disorder that affects women after childbirth. It goes well beyond the baby blues, which are mild mood fluctuations that typically resolve within the first two weeks after delivery. Postpartum depression is more intense, longer lasting, and interferes with a woman’s ability to function and care for herself and her baby. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States experience symptoms of postpartum depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression presents differently in every woman, but common signs include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Extreme fatigue that goes beyond normal new parent tiredness
• Changes in appetite, eating too little or too much
• Difficulty sleeping even when the baby sleeps
• Intense irritability or anger
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• In severe cases, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression

Many women experience the baby blues in the first few days after delivery, characterized by tearfulness, mood swings, and emotional sensitivity. This is normal and typically resolves on its own within two weeks as hormone levels stabilize. Postpartum depression is distinguished by symptoms that are more severe, appear or persist beyond two weeks, and significantly impair daily functioning. Knowing the difference is critical because postpartum depression requires professional treatment and does not resolve on its own without support.

The Gynecological and Hormonal Connection

Postpartum depression is not simply a psychological condition. It has a deeply rooted gynecological and hormonal basis that is often overlooked in the conversation around mental health. During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone levels are at their highest. Immediately after delivery, these hormones drop dramatically and rapidly. This sudden hormonal withdrawal is one of the most significant biological triggers of postpartum depression.

Research published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health found that women with a history of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD, or sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle are at significantly higher risk of developing postpartum depression. This connection confirms that for many women PPD is part of a broader pattern of hormone-sensitive mood disorders that a gynecologist is uniquely positioned to identify and address.

The Role of Thyroid Function

Postpartum thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland that occurs in the year following delivery, affects approximately 5 to 10 percent of women and is frequently mistaken for postpartum depression. The thyroid plays a critical role in regulating mood, energy, and metabolism, and disruption of thyroid function after childbirth can produce symptoms nearly identical to PPD including fatigue, depression, anxiety, and brain fog. A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found that postpartum thyroid dysfunction was significantly underdiagnosed and that thyroid screening in the postpartum period is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Estrogen Therapy and Postpartum Depression

Emerging research is strengthening the case for hormonal interventions in treating postpartum depression. A study published in the Lancet found that transdermal estrogen therapy significantly reduced symptoms of severe postpartum depression compared to placebo. While this is not yet a standard first-line treatment, it highlights the hormonal underpinning of the condition and the important role gynecologists play in evaluating and managing it alongside mental health providers.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Any woman can develop postpartum depression, but certain factors increase the risk, including:

• A personal or family history of depression or anxiety
• History of PMDD or hormone-sensitive mood disorders
• Difficult or traumatic birth experience
• Lack of social support
• Relationship difficulties or partner conflict
• Financial stress
• History of pregnancy loss or infertility
• Complications during pregnancy or delivery
• Breastfeeding difficulties

Treatment Options

Postpartum depression is highly treatable and the sooner it is addressed the better the outcomes for both mother and baby. Treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, both of which have strong evidence for effectiveness in PPD
• Antidepressants, including SSRIs which are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers
• Hormonal evaluation and treatment through your gynecologist to address underlying hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid screening and treatment if postpartum thyroiditis is identified
• Support groups and peer support programs for new mothers
• Brexanolone, the first FDA-approved medication specifically developed for postpartum depression, which works by targeting the hormonal changes that follow childbirth

The Importance of Telling Your Gynecologist

Many women disclose postpartum depression symptoms to their OB-GYN before they tell anyone else, making the gynecologist a critical point of contact for early identification and intervention. Your gynecologist can screen for PPD at postpartum visits, order hormonal and thyroid panels, coordinate care with mental health providers, and discuss whether hormonal treatment may be appropriate for your situation. Do not wait until your six-week postpartum visit if you are struggling. Call your provider sooner.

You carried a life. You deserve the same level of care now that your baby is on the outside.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Bloch, M., Schmidt, P. J., Danaceau, M., Murphy, J., Nieman, L., & Rubinow, D. R. (2000). Effects of gonadal steroids in women with a history of postpartum depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(6), 924–930. https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.6.924 

Buttner, M. M., Mott, S. L., Pearlstein, T., Stuart, S., Zekoski, E., & O’Hara, M. W. (2013). Examination of premenstrual symptoms as a risk factor for depression in postpartum women. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 16(3), 219–225.  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00737-012-0323-x [1, 2]

Smallridge, R. C. (2000). Postpartum thyroid disease: A model of immunologic dysfunction. Endocrine Practice, 6(2), 197-205. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1529104900000088 

Wisner, K. L., Sit, D. K., McShea, M. C., et al. (2013). Onset timing, thoughts of self-harm, and diagnoses in postpartum women with screen-positive depression findings. JAMA Psychiatry, 70(5), 490–498. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1666651 [1]

Yonkers, K. A., Wisner, K. L., Stewart, D. E., et al. (2009). The management of depression during pregnancy: a report from the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. General Hospital Psychiatry, 31(5), 403–413. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163834309000619

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Experiencing a miscarriage is one of the most emotionally painful events a woman can go through. Yet despite how common it is, many women are left without clear answers about why it happened. Understanding the medical causes of miscarriage does not take away the grief, but it can provide clarity, reduce self-blame, and open the door to better care in future pregnancies.

How Common Is Miscarriage?

Miscarriage, medically known as spontaneous abortion, is the most common complication of early pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that 10 to 25 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage, and the actual number is likely higher when accounting for very early losses that occur before a pregnancy is confirmed. The majority of miscarriages occur in the first trimester, before 13 weeks of pregnancy.

What Causes Miscarriage?

Chromosomal Abnormalities

The single most common cause of miscarriage is a chromosomal abnormality in the embryo. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that chromosomal issues account for approximately 50 to 60 percent of all first trimester miscarriages. These abnormalities occur randomly during fertilization or early cell division and are not caused by anything the mother did or did not do. The most common chromosomal errors include trisomy, monosomy, and triploidy, all of which result in an embryo that cannot develop normally.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a critical role in establishing and maintaining a pregnancy. Insufficient progesterone during the luteal phase, a condition known as luteal phase defect, can prevent the uterine lining from adequately supporting an implanted embryo. Thyroid disorders, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, have also been strongly linked to miscarriage risk. A study in Thyroid journal found that even subclinical hypothyroidism, where thyroid levels are only mildly abnormal, significantly increases the risk of pregnancy loss.

Uterine Abnormalities

Structural problems with the uterus can interfere with implantation or fetal development. Conditions that increase miscarriage risk include:

• A uterine septum, which divides the uterine cavity and reduces blood supply to the embryo
• Uterine fibroids, particularly those that distort the uterine cavity
• Asherman syndrome, where scar tissue inside the uterus prevents normal implantation
• A bicornuate or other irregularly shaped uterus

Immune System Disorders

The immune system plays a complex role in pregnancy. In some women the immune system mistakenly attacks the developing pregnancy. Antiphospholipid syndrome, an autoimmune condition that causes abnormal blood clotting, is one of the most well-established immune causes of recurrent miscarriage. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that antiphospholipid syndrome accounts for approximately 15 percent of recurrent pregnancy losses and is highly treatable with blood thinners during pregnancy.

Infections

Certain infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, including:

• Bacterial vaginosis, which has been linked to second trimester pregnancy loss
• Listeria, toxoplasmosis, and rubella
• Sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Uncontrolled urinary tract infections

Advanced Maternal Age

Age is one of the most significant risk factors for miscarriage. As women age, egg quality declines and the likelihood of chromosomal errors during fertilization increases. Research published in the British Medical Journal found that miscarriage rates rise sharply with age, from approximately 9 percent in women aged 20 to 24 to over 75 percent in women aged 45 and older. This is primarily driven by the increased rate of chromosomal abnormalities in older eggs.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

While most miscarriages are caused by factors outside a woman’s control, certain lifestyle factors have been associated with increased risk, including:

• Smoking, which reduces blood flow to the placenta and is linked to higher miscarriage rates
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• High caffeine intake above 200mg per day according to research in the British Medical Journal
• Exposure to environmental toxins including pesticides and certain chemicals
• Uncontrolled chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure

What Does Not Cause Miscarriage

It is equally important to address what does not cause miscarriage, because many women carry unnecessary guilt after a loss. Normal physical activity, sexual intercourse, stress, most medications taken before pregnancy was known, a fall or minor accident, and morning sickness do not cause miscarriage. The vast majority of pregnancy losses are the result of genetic or biological factors that are entirely beyond anyone’s control.

Recurrent Miscarriage

Recurrent miscarriage, defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses, affects approximately 1 to 2 percent of couples trying to conceive according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Women who experience recurrent miscarriage should be evaluated for chromosomal abnormalities in both partners, uterine structural issues, hormonal disorders, immune system conditions, and clotting disorders. In many cases a treatable cause is identified.

When to See a Doctor

You should speak with a women’s health provider after any miscarriage to discuss what may have caused the loss and whether any testing is recommended. After two or more miscarriages a thorough recurrent pregnancy loss evaluation is strongly advised. Early answers lead to better outcomes in future pregnancies.

A miscarriage is not your fault. It is a medical event, and with the right care and evaluation, many women go on to have successful pregnancies.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Early Pregnancy Loss. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 132(5), https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/11/early-pregnancy-loss

Santos, T. S., Ieque, A. L., Carvalho, H. C., Sell, A. M., Lonardoni, M. V. C., Demarchi, I. G., Lima Neto, Q. A., & Teixeira, J. J. V. (2017). Antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent miscarriage: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 123, 78–87. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28985591/ 

Nybo Andersen, A. M., Wohlfahrt, J., Christens, P., et al. (2000). Maternal age and fetal loss: population based register linkage study. British Medical Journal, 320(7251), 1708–1712.https://www.bmj.com/content/320/7251/1708

Wilcox, A. J., Weinberg, C. R., O’Connor, J. F., et al. (1988). Incidence of early loss of pregnancy. New England Journal of Medicine, 319(4), 189–194.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3393170/

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