Introduction
This meta-analysis covers how 213 infertile women were selected, tested, and treated, as well as their results, and finally, how and where someone can access testing to begin their own journey and obtain similar results. It combines data from multiple published studies and reputable sources including clinical laboratories, fertility clinics, and universities, including but not limited to Coppe Laboratories, the Center for Assisted Reproduction Embryo, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
While not all of the participants completed every step, we’ll show you the complete process that enabled 42% of those who did, to get pregnant and carry their pregnancies to full term.
The Participant Selection
A total of 213 women who visited various fertility clinics, and for whom it wasn’t clear why they couldn’t get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term, were selected.
The Tests They Underwent
A total of 201 women were tested for Human Herpesvirus 6A, or HHV-6A, in their uterus using endometrial biopsies. After the biopsies were collected at their doctor’s office or clinic, they were sent to Coppe Laboratories for analysis.
HHV-6A is a herpes virus. Like all herpes viruses, once infected, you carry it for life. This means that a couple could struggle, have a normal pregnancy, lose a pregnancy, and struggle again, in any order, with success depending largely on whether or not the virus is active.
HHV-6A infections in the uterus cannot be found in blood or saliva. During the time of these studies, an endometrial biopsy was the only available method of testing. A recent breakthrough in testing now allows for easy sample collection at home, which we elaborate on below.
The Test Results
The biopsy findings are significant. Out of 201 women, 37% tested positive for an HHV-6A infection in their uterus.
In a separate landmark study, 43% of women with unexplained infertility tested positive, compared to 0% of fertile women.
This means that at least one in every three women whose challenges were not understood, had an HHV-6A infection interfering with their efforts to conceive or maintain a pregnancy.
The Treatment
Treatment was given to 27 women, divided into two groups as follows:
- Group 1 consisted of 15 women with repeated implantation failures after IVF.
- Group 2 consisted of 12 women with unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.
All 27 patients were treated with acyclovir or valacyclovir, antiviral medications effective against HHV-6A.
Valacyclovir is converted into acyclovir in the body, so the active medication within the body was acyclovir for all patients.
In Group 1: The 15 women with repeated implantation failures, were given either acyclovir or valacyclovir.
After starting treatment, repeat biopsies were performed at 1 to 2 month intervals. The initial round of treatment led to 5 out of these 15 women, or 33%, testing negative for HHV-6A. The remaining 10 women underwent adjustments to their treatment—either a switch to valacyclovir from acyclovir or an increase in the valacyclovir dosage. Among these, three women had another biopsy; two showed decreased viral activity, and one, initially unresponsive to the treatment, tested negative after an increased dosage.
This highlights that with follow-up testing and by adjusting the treatment as needed, there is a good chance of success.
In Group 2: the 12 women with unexplained infertility or pregnancy loss were given acyclovir over a period of 6 menstrual cycles.
The Pregnancy Outcomes
Among the 12 women in Group 2 with a history of unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, 42% became pregnant and carried it to term following treatment for HHV-6A, without requiring IUIs, IVF, or hormonal interventions.
42%. That’s remarkable considering their previous struggles.
Where And How to Access Testing
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