The link between BCL6 and endometriosis is more common than people may think. Our ReceptivaDx testing may assist in understanding unexplained infertility. Here is what you should know about BCL6 endometriosis:
What Is BCL6?
B-cell CLL/lymphoma six or BCL6 can be an indicator of inflammation of the uterine lining. We test for the levels of BCL6, and if a patient’s results come back positive, it can be an indicator of endometriosis. Endometriosis can be easier to diagnose when a patient has symptoms. Our testing assists those who may not have symptoms but are experiencing unexplained infertility. A patient who has unexplained infertility may have silent endometriosis.
Signs of Silent Endometriosis
Without getting testing for BCL6, a patient may not be aware they have endometriosis. Here are a few signs that one may need to get tested for silent endometriosis:
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
When one experiences several pregnancy losses, it may be a sign of silent endometriosis. Silent endometriosis can make it difficult to maintain a pregnancy. If a woman gets pregnant but experiences pregnancy loss without reason, she may have silent endometriosis.
Failed Implantation
If a patient has decided to go through IVF treatment and experiences repeatedly failed implantation, silent endometriosis may be the cause. The success rate of IVF may vary from patient to patient. If a patient is receiving failed results without explanation, silent endometriosis could be a cause. If a patient believes they have silent endometriosis, testing is accessible.
Testing for BCL6
We have created the first-of-its-kind BCL6 testing. When a patient tests positive for BCL6, it may be an indicator of silent endometriosis, which can be linked to unexplained infertility. Here is what a patient should know about the ReceptivaDx testing process:
First Visit
The first step of the testing process is to schedule a visit with an OB-GYN or reproductive specialist. This testing does not require a ReceptivaDx specialist to do the testing, which makes it easier for patients to get tested. When scheduling a visit, make sure the reproductive specialist or OB-GYN has a ReceptivaDx testing kit.
Cycle Planning
While being tested for BCL6, a patient should either be in a natural menstrual cycle or a mock cycle. A natural cycle happens 7-10 days after ovulation, and a mock cycle is 5-10 days after the progesterone is started. A patient can ask their OB-GYN or reproductive specialist the best way to plan their cycle around being tested.
Biopsy
Once the proper testing takes place, the biopsy is sent to us at our labs. Our team tests the sample for BCL6 levels and reports back to the patient’s OB-GYN or reproductive specialists. It can take five to six days to receive results.
Plan of Action
After a patient receives their results, they can then create a plan of action with their physician. If they test positive for levels of BCL6, they can undergo treatment for their silent endometriosis. There are several options for treatment that have been successful in achieving a pregnancy.
BCL6 Endometriosis Treatment Options
If the patient tests positive for BCL6, endometriosis can be the likely cause. There are a few different options for treatment in this case. One of the treatment options is hormone therapy. The length of this treatment will vary from patient to patient. Hormone therapy may assist in reducing the number of implants and may keep them from spreading. It can also reduce the inflammation caused by endometriosis, allowing an egg to be implanted properly, either through intercourse or IVF.
Another treatment option is a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive treatment of endometriosis. During this surgery, a small tube will be inserted into the abdomen to check for and remove any inflamed uterine areas that may be problematic. Once a patient is fully recovered from the laparoscopy, they can begin to achieve a successful pregnancy again. The rate of success after a laparoscopy can be increased.
When To Get Tested
If a patient is experiencing the signs of BCL6 endometriosis, they should get tested. A patient may want to get tested before starting the IVF process to rule out unsuccessful implantation. When a woman experiences unexplained infertility, she may want to consider getting tested for BCL6.
RecpetivaDx for BCL6 Endometriosis Testing
At RecepitivaDx, we understand the frustration and fear that can come with unexplained infertility. By getting tested prior to receiving IVF, patients can save money and time spent. This test can assist in understanding the reasons behind pregnancy loss. It can also get a patient back on track to achieving a successful pregnancy.
The link between BCL6 and silent endometriosis can be the cause of unexplained infertility. We want our patients to achieve pregnancy while limiting the amount of time and money spent on unneeded treatments. To learn more about our testing and the rates of success linked with it, contact ReceptivaDx today.