Link between miscarriage and failure to conceive?
Dear Robert,

Thank you for taking the time to read my question. I am 32 and have been trying to conceive my first child since May 2013. In April 2014, after 10 months of trying we conceived but sadly had a miscarriage at 7 weeks. It has been 10 months since this miscarriage and we have not had any further pregnancies. My husband’s sperm analysis was satisfactory and before conceiving I was tested for low thyroid and progesterone – both of which came back normal. We also both have a healthy diet, regular exercise and healthy BMI. I am struggling to understand what else I can do to increase our chances of conceiving. What would you recommend that we do next? I’d also be interested to know whether you have an opinion on whether miscarriages and struggling to conceive can be linked? Many thanks, L

Dear L,

I really think that after two years (which is very nearly up) you need to get referred to a good gynaecologist to get proper tests to see why you are not conceiving, and whether or not there is a reason which is connected with the miscarriage – which is probable. The most likely links might include polycystic ovaries or a defect in the uterine anatomy, or the miscarriage may possible have caused or been associated with some inflammation which has affected your tubes. A genetic cause is also possible but less likely. Of course, it is equally possible there is nothing seriously wrong. At this stage, though, systematic testing is I believe really advisable.

Good luck
Robert Winston

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