Have You Heard Of Unexplained Infertility?
Infertility is a common issue that impacts 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age. The condition is defined as the inability to bear children by natural means after at least 12 months of trying. There is often an underlying cause for infertility, which can be easily found in most cases. Yet, there are unique cases where fertility specialists cannot find the underlying cause of infertility. Unexplained infertility can be a confusing diagnosis, but there are possible solutions. Fertility medications, for instance, can be an effective answer to unexplained infertility.
Diagnosing unexplained infertility
Unexplained infertility is a specific diagnosis that comes after a detailed review of a couple’s reproductive health. There are different reasons for infertility, which can be discovered with specific tests. A blood analysis can reveal if the man or woman has hormone abnormalities causing infertility. A fertility specialist can perform sperm analysis, which can reveal if there are sperm quality or quantity issues. Women also undergo testing, reviewing the ovaries, uterus, and egg quantity and quality. If all tests reveal no underlying issue, the medical team can diagnose unexplained infertility.
The promise of fertility medications
Unexplained infertility is not the final diagnosis. A couple with this result can experience distress, but there are solutions. A fertility team can recommend fertility medications to increase the chances of pregnancy. Fertility medications seek to improve reproductive health in men and women. For instance, women can benefit from injectable or hormone medications to increase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. Another fertility drug, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), helps with the final maturation and release of eggs. Men can also benefit from fertility medicine as specific drugs can improve sperm quality. The fertility specialists can determine the best types and doses to increase the chances of success.
Alternative approaches for unexplained infertility
Fertility medications, while effective, are not the only approach to improving pregnancy success, as a holistic approach is best. Doctors will recommend lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption or smoking. Attempting alternative treatments like acupuncture has the potential to increase the chances of pregnancy. If these fail, the fertility team may consider intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), an innovative treatment. By producing embryos outside the body, the fertility team can transfer a single embryo directly into the woman’s uterus. IVF can increase the success rates of pregnancy and is sometimes recommended immediately after an unexplained infertility diagnosis.
Are fertility medications the answer?
Unexplained infertility can be a confusing and stressful diagnosis. However, this diagnosis does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. Fertility medication can significantly improve the chances of success. Studies show fertility medication is an effective solution for infertility. When combined with treatments like IUI or IVF, the success rates increase further. While fertility medications are effective, a holistic approach is the best course of action. Couples struggling to conceive naturally should seek advice from medical experts. Effective testing and fertility medications can bring renewed hope.
