intro and question about RPL

hullabalou

Hi, I'm kbuck. I had a CP in December and just had a D&C on Wed. after being diagnosed with a blighted ovum at 7w4d.
My OB has offered to talk about starting RPL at my followup appointment in two weeks.

What does RPL generally entail? Should it be done by an RE instead of an OB? Is there a reason most OBs don't start it until 3 consecutive losses-would it be unusual to start it now?

Sorry for so many questions, I just didn't really think think to ask my doctor because my head was in such a bad place at my last appointment.

KingLED

Hey. So sorry for your loss.

RPL testing is usually just a lot of bloodwork. The basic testing can be done through an OB. Waiting until 3 consecutive losses is standard because testing before that may be premature. One or two can be attributed to just bad luck, but 3 tends to indicate a possible issue.

gabbagal

My OB started the tests after two losses. Usually they wait until three, but my OB was nice enough to offer them after two, even though I'm AMA and the losses were likely due to my age. They did a bunch of blood tests to check for clotting disorders and other things I didn't even know about. All tests came back "normal". My OB recommended I meet with an RE after my second loss b/c I had turned 40 and it had been more than 6 months without success and he thought an RE might be able to help me beat the not so great odds I had just trying on my own. I had an initial consult with the RE and he wanted to do a different set of tests to check follicle count (vaginal ultrasound), to make sure my uterus/tubes weren't blocked (HSG/X-ray) and more blood work. The OB should know what to test for, but always ask questions if you're still unsure of things since you are your best advocate. If you are under 35, the OB probably won't refer you to an RE yet since you haven't been trying for a year (based on your signature stats). Good luck at your follow-up and sorry for your losses.

hullabalou

thank you both! My OB said he truly feels it is bad luck, but that if I wanted to go ahead and do some testing he was open to it.

If it is mostly just blood work I definitely want to go ahead with it.