Assisted Reproductive Technologies and miscarriage rates

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendickson, MD, discusses the miscarriage rates for women who use assisted reproductive technologies, and explains why miscarriages are more likely
Miscarriage Rates For Assisted Reproductive Technologies
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Assisted Reproductive Technologies and miscarriage rates

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Unfortunately, miscarriages are very common. One in four women will experience a miscarriage. As a woman gets older, her eggs are of lesser quality and those eggs are more likely to lead to a chromosomal abnormal embryo. And that's actually the most common reason why someone has a miscarriage. Women under the age of 35, approximately 10% of the eggs in their ovaries are abnormal. However, by the time they reach 45, approximately 50% of their eggs are even more abnormal within the ovary. These numbers correlate very well with miscarriage rates in the general population. Where a woman of 35 may have a miscarriage rate of 15%, it increases to 30% at age 40, and 50% at age 45. And women who are having advanced reproductive techniques like IVF, they typically tend to be a little bit older. So one would think that their miscarriage rates are higher. However, when women who have undergone IVF have been compared to women in the general population, it seems that by age comparison that the miscarriage rates are very similar. So IVF by itself does not cause an increase in miscarriages.

Fertility Specialist Kristin Bendickson, MD, discusses the miscarriage rates for women who use assisted reproductive technologies, and explains why miscarriages are more likely

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Kristin Bendikson, MD

Fertility Specialist

Dr. Kristin A. Bendikson joined USC Fertility after finishing her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Harvard Medical School and completing her subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the internationally renowned Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cornell University Medical College. During that time, she received intensive training in ovulation induction, in vitro fertilization and fertility surgery, as well as the management of other disorders including recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Kristin received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and attended the prestigious New York University School of Medicine. Her extensive training and years in practice have prepared her to deal with the most difficult and challenging cases.

Kristin holds the title of Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the USC Keck School of Medicine. She is the currently the principal investigator of several research projects including the study of zygote intrafallopian tube transfer for women of advanced reproductive age, aging of the uterine endometrium and vitamin D and its role in infertility. It is her goal to provide the highest quality care for her patients and to help them fulfill their desire of having a healthy baby. In addition, she strives to guide her patients through what can be a trying and difficult journey by providing them with the support and personal attention they need.

Fertility expert, teacher, and researcher, Kristin is also a married mother of two. She resides in West Los Angeles with her family.

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Transcription: 
Unfortunately, miscarriages are very common. One in four women will experience a miscarriage. As a woman gets older, her eggs are of lesser quality and those eggs are more likely to lead to a chromosomal abnormal embryo. And that's actually the most common reason why someone has a miscarriage. Women under the age of 35, approximately 10% of the eggs in their ovaries are abnormal. However, by the time they reach 45, approximately 50% of their eggs are even more abnormal within the ovary. These numbers correlate very well with miscarriage rates in the general population. Where a woman of 35 may have a miscarriage rate of 15%, it increases to 30% at age 40, and 50% at age 45. And women who are having advanced reproductive techniques like IVF, they typically tend to be a little bit older. So one would think that their miscarriage rates are higher. However, when women who have undergone IVF have been compared to women in the general population, it seems that by age comparison that the miscarriage rates are very similar. So IVF by itself does not cause an increase in miscarriages.