Treatment Overview
An Infectious Disease Panel for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a comprehensive series of laboratory tests designed to detect infections that may affect fertility, implantation, or early pregnancy development. Chronic or acute infections of the reproductive tract can damage the endometrium, disturb implantation, or trigger inflammatory and immune responses that lead to miscarriage.
In Korea, fertility and women’s hospitals integrate infectious disease testing into their RPL diagnostic programs, using advanced molecular and serological testing methods such as PCR, ELISA, and microbial cultures. Korean fertility centers are globally recognized for their meticulous, multidisciplinary approach that combines infectious disease screening with immunologic, hormonal, and genetic evaluations to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment.
Purpose & Benefits
The main purpose of the infectious disease panel is to identify and treat underlying infections that may interfere with successful conception or pregnancy continuation.
Key benefits include:
- Detects bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections associated with pregnancy loss.
- Identifies chronic endometrial infections (e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma) that may impair implantation.
- Screens for viral infections like Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Rubella, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Hepatitis that affect fetal development.
- Helps guide timely antibiotic, antiviral, or immunotherapy before attempting conception or IVF.
- Prevents recurrent miscarriages by ensuring both partners are infection-free.
In Korean fertility medicine, the infectious disease panel is considered a cornerstone of preconception and miscarriage evaluations, emphasizing proactive prevention and patient safety.
Ideal Candidates
An infectious disease panel is recommended for:
- Women with two or more unexplained miscarriages.
- Couples with failed implantation or IVF cycles.
- Patients with a history of chronic pelvic infections or endometritis.
- Individuals exposed to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or with high infection risk.
- Women with pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, or stillbirth.
- Couples planning assisted reproduction where infection control is critical.
Testing both partners is common in Korean clinics to eliminate mutual reinfection risks.
Possible Risks & Complications
Because the infectious disease panel involves blood and, occasionally, cervical or semen samples, the risks are minimal:
- Mild discomfort or bruising at blood draw site.
- Rare allergic reaction to antiseptics or testing reagents.
- Temporary anxiety while awaiting results.
- Need for follow-up testing or cultures if results are inconclusive.
Korean laboratories follow strict biosafety and quality control measures, ensuring accuracy and patient comfort throughout the process.
Techniques & Tests Used
Korean fertility laboratories utilize a combination of serologic, molecular, and microbiological techniques to detect pathogens accurately and efficiently.
Common tests included in the panel:
- Bacterial Tests:
- Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis
- Culture or PCR-based detection from cervical or endometrial samples.
- Viral Tests:
- Rubella IgG/IgM (for immunity and recent infection)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG/IgM
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) antibodies
- Hepatitis B and C panels
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening
- Parasitic/Other Tests:
- Toxoplasma gondii antibody testing
- Syphilis (VDRL or RPR) test
- Endometrial Biopsy with PCR:
- Used in select Korean clinics to identify chronic endometrial infections with high precision.
Korean fertility centers use automated analyzers, multiplex PCR panels, and next-generation diagnostics for rapid, accurate pathogen detection and differentiation between active and past infections.
Recovery & Aftercare
Since testing is non-invasive, no recovery is required. However, aftercare includes:
- Reviewing test results with the fertility specialist or infectious disease consultant.
- If infections are detected, targeted treatment with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals is initiated for both partners.
- Follow-up testing to confirm successful eradication before conception or IVF.
- Monitoring for re-infection or recurrent inflammation through periodic check-ups.
- Supportive treatments such as probiotics, immune modulation, or endometrial healing therapy if infection has affected uterine health.
Korean clinics emphasize treat-to-cure strategies, ensuring patients achieve infection-free conditions before pregnancy attempts.
Results & Longevity
- Results usually classify infections as active, past, or absent, based on antibody levels or pathogen detection.
- Treatment of active infections significantly reduces miscarriage risk and improves pregnancy outcomes.
- Once resolved, infection-free status typically persists, though re-testing is recommended before subsequent pregnancies.
- Some immune markers or viral antibodies remain detectable for life, indicating past exposure but no ongoing infection.
- With proper treatment and monitoring, fertility and pregnancy success rates improve dramatically.
Korea’s high diagnostic precision and integrated care model ensure sustainable reproductive health outcomes.
Treatment Process in Korea
The infectious disease evaluation process in Korea is systematic and patient-focused:
- Consultation: Review of miscarriage history, previous infections, and partner’s medical history.
- Sample Collection: Blood, cervical/vaginal swab, or semen samples collected under sterile conditions.
- Laboratory Testing: Multiple tests (PCR, ELISA, cultures) performed for bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- Result Interpretation: Specialists review findings to distinguish between active and past infections.
- Treatment Plan: Targeted therapy initiated—antibiotics, antivirals, or immune-modulating agents.
- Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Repeat testing ensures infection clearance before pregnancy attempts.
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories with rapid, accurate testing.
- Integration of fertility medicine and infectious disease expertise.
- Availability of personalized treatment protocols addressing immune, microbial, and hormonal factors simultaneously.
- Comprehensive RPL programs combining infection control, genetic screening, and uterine evaluation.
- Internationally trained fertility experts offering multilingual support and tailored care for global patients.
Korean fertility centers are renowned for their thorough, technology-driven approach to infection-related fertility issues.
Cost Range
The cost of an Infectious Disease Panel in Korea varies depending on the number of tests and the clinic’s diagnostic package:
- Basic Infection Screening (Bacterial & Viral): USD 200 – 400
- Expanded Fertility Infection Panel (Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites): USD 400 – 800
- Comprehensive Recurrent Miscarriage Diagnostic Package (including Immunologic, Genetic & Infectious Tests): USD 1,500 – 2,500
- Follow-Up or Test-of-Cure: USD 100 – 200
Many clinics offer bundled RPL evaluation packages that include infectious, hormonal, and uterine testing at a discounted rate.
Popular Clinics
Renowned fertility and women’s health centers in Korea offering advanced infectious disease testing for recurrent pregnancy loss include:
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul): Offers full microbial and viral screening integrated with RPL management.
- Maria Fertility Hospital: Provides high-precision PCR-based infection testing and fertility treatment.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital: Specializes in reproductive infectious disease diagnostics and endometrial care.
- GynART Reproductive Center: Offers pathogen-targeted RPL testing and treatment under fertility specialists.
- Seoul National University Hospital: Combines fertility, immunology, and infectious disease expertise for complex RPL cases.
