Using Fertility Medications For Unexplained Infertility Cases
Infertility can be an uncomfortable conversation, but is actually quite common. While often an underlying cause such as health or physical impediments can prevent conception in men or women, sometimes no known issue is uncovered. Statistics reveal that about 20% of confirmed infertility cases lack a known cause. As a result, such patients are diagnosed with unexplained infertility, which references a failure to conceive after a year or more of trying when no underlying cause can be identified. Still, people, given this diagnosis, can go on to conceive, and fertility medications may help.
Ovulation stimulation
After repeatedly trying without success, some couples may be encouraged to try fertility medications. The woman is prescribed hormonal medications that stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs within one ovulation cycle. While this treatment method is often combined with fertility treatments, the method can also be used as a primer for natural conception. Additionally, as a stand-alone solution, ovulation stimulation can sometimes be enough to help individuals with known health conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can make tracking natural ovulation difficult.
Combining fertility medications with IUI and IVF
More commonly, women with an unexplained fertility diagnosis will be encouraged to try fertility treatments. Because of the more controlled environment, ovulation can be accurately tracked, and key steps such as insemination or embryo transfer can be timed to optimize success rates. The two most common options are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because fertility medications boost egg release, conception odds can increase.
IUI with fertility medications
One of the more popular assistive fertility treatments is IUI. The outpatient solution deposits sperm directly into the uterus via a catheter. The procedure can be performed without ovulation stimulation but, in unexplained infertility cases, may be combined with medications to boost egg production. Note that IUI is also an option for couples fighting male infertility, such as poor motility or a lower sperm count. The procedure completely bypasses the vagina, which is inhospitable for sperm. As a result, more sperm can successfully reach the fallopian tubes to potentially fertilize the egg inside the body.
IVF
Of all the fertility treatment options, IVF has the highest success rates. This fertility solution is also most well-known in pop culture and features ovulation stimulation as a standard step. After stimulation, the eggs are retrieved and mixed with a semen sample in the laboratory to create an embryo. Shortly after, the embryo is transferred back to the uterus in hopes of implantation and successful conception. While several eggs may be fertilized in the lab, these days, most fertility specialists prefer to only transfer one or two eggs per IVF cycle to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Which option is best?
Ultimately, the best solution for treating unexplained infertility will be determined by a couple’s ages, if any physical or health issues are present, and the willingness to independently fund fertility treatment. Some couples may be successful with ovulation stimulation alone, while other people may need to combine the medications with an assisted fertility treatment to boost success rates. For women and couples that have tried to conceive naturally without success, consider speaking with a fertility specialist.
