Navigating Unexplained Infertility
Infertility is a worrying condition that impacts men, women, and couples trying to conceive. The condition is defined as the inability to conceive with unprotected sexual intercourse after 6 months or more of trying. Infertility is a diagnosis confirmed by testing performed by a doctor or reproductive specialist. Men and women can have several clear reasons for infertility. There are cases, however, where doctors cannot find the underlying cause of the condition. At this point, the couple is known to have unexplained infertility. An unexplained infertility diagnosis can be confusing, but there are treatments, like assisted reproductive technology (ART), that can help.
Your treatment options
An unexplained infertility diagnosis does not mean there is no cause of infertility. In most cases, something is occurring that conventional tests cannot detect. Men and women have healthy reproductive organs, egg, or sperm production, but pregnancy is still not happening. ART is a concept that handles eggs or sperm outside the body to increase pregnancy rates. Doctors will recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), the most common forms of ART. These techniques raise the chance of achieving pregnancy by working around unseen threats to fertility.
Let’s start with IUI
IUI involves manually inserting sperm into a woman’s cervix to attempt pregnancy. The procedure washes and prepares a sperm sample provided by the male partner. In some cases, IUI can be performed using donor sperm. Women are prompted to take hormone medication to prepare for pregnancy and increase the chances of conception. At the appropriate time, the sperm sample is medically inserted into the cervix using a catheter. IUI is often the first stage of treatment for unexplained infertility.
Learn the IVF basics
IVF is an advanced form and arguably the most popular form of ART. This technique involves the handling of sperm and eggs outside the body to create embryos. IVF is a multi-stage process that needs detailed participation by all participants. The medical team will perform tests to determine egg and sperm quality. The woman will take a series of injectable hormone medications to rapidly increase egg production. At a specific time, multiple eggs are medically harvested from the ovaries. An embryologist then combines these eggs with a given sperm sample to create multiple embryos. One or more of the best embryos are then surgically transferred to the woman’s uterus for pregnancy.
IUI and IVF success
While IUI and IVF are effective, these procedures are not 100% guaranteed. IUI with hormone medication generally has 7-10% success rates. Factors such as age, sperm health, and underlying health challenges determine success rates. On average, couples need 3-4 IUI cycles to achieve pregnancy. In many cases, IUI is also recommended before attempting IVF. Unexplained infertility cases generally see high success rates with IVF. There is more control over embryo formation and medical teams can perform additional steps, like genetic testing, to increase success rates. Factors such as patient age, genetics, general health, and clinic experience all matter. IVF has at least 40% success per cycle, which declines with age. Performing more than 4 cycles, however, can increase success rates significantly.
Deciding your path
Choosing the best option is difficult. Patient willingness, age, relationship status, and financial standing all matter. IUI is generally seen as a first-line treatment, especially if this is the first time being diagnosed with infertility. Younger women with a healthy ovarian reserve and shorter infertility timelines may see more success with IUI. The procedure is generally simpler and cheaper, but success rates per cycle tend to be lower. IVF, however, is ideal for older patients still hoping to start or grow a family but may have unexplained infertility. This option is more invasive, takes longer, and costs more. Success rates, however, are higher. IVF is instrumental for those who have had infertility for long periods and have tried IUI.
Renewed hope for parenthood
Unexplained infertility does not mean the end of parenthood dreams. There is an underlying condition potentially causing infertility. Sometimes, young patients can continue trying naturally or combine hormone medication for better results. If this strategy fails, IUI and IVF can help. Consider all personal and health factors before choosing the best option. Doctors recommended trying IUI for at least 3 cycles first, before moving on to IVF. Older patients should forgo IUI and attempt IVF. With medical support from an experienced fertility clinic, there is a path to pregnancy.
