Infertility Without Explanation
For couples trying to conceive without success, a range of emotions can creep in like fear, stress, anxiety, and anger. Turning to a doctor is the first step to figure out the problem. Despite checks and tests, there are no obvious issues with either partner. This is what the medical community refers to as unexplained infertility.
How is a couple considered unexplained?
About 15% of couples considered infertile suffer from unexplained infertility. The diagnosis is not given lightly. Doctors complete comprehensive tests like semen analysis, full blood work, and ultrasounds first. If the tests are positive, infertility is unexplained. Just because infertility is unexplained, does not mean there is no issue. Over the decades, testing for infertility has improved. Yet, subtle issues can go undetected by the very tests available to doctors.
Possible causes of unexplained infertility
As before stated, subtle, undetectable issues in the body can cause infertility. For example, one of the causes of infertility is endometriosis. While severe endometriosis is detectable, mild endometriosis is difficult to spot. The quality of eggs and sperm are at times undetectable with standard tests. The number of eggs produced by the woman is another subtle reason for unexplained infertility.
Could the problem be deeper than infertility?
A couple’s reproductive system can be in tip-top shape, yet there could be an underlying medical issue. For instance, thyroid issues can prevent conception. Diabetes, celiac and similar diseases are also known causes of infertility. Doctors recommend a complete physical to rule out any undiagnosed illnesses affecting conception.
An overlooked reason for infertility
Lifestyle choices also can dramatically affect fertility. Obesity, poor diet, excessive drug, and alcohol use all can contribute. Stress can also cause undetected hormonal imbalances, preventing couples from conceiving.
The trusted methods to overcome unexplained infertility
The great news is a resolution is possible. Couples with unexpected infertility have a 1-4% chance of conceiving naturally. If the woman is over 35, the chance reduces. However, chances improve to over 20% if treated with one or a combination of the fertility treatments available.
Fertility Drugs
There are medications available that can increase ovulation. Other drugs are injectable drugs containing similar hormones created in female reproduction. Used with sexual intercourse or combined with the methods listed below, chances improve.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
IUI is a form of artificial insemination. The highest quality sperm is manually inserted into the uterus by doctors. The IUI happens at the optimum time of ovulation, to increase chances of conception. Using IUI combined with fertility drugs, success rates increase.
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
The IVF process involves removing eggs and sperm from the couple, treating them in a lab, fertilizing them, then transferring the healthy embryo back to the uterus. IVF is a successful method of treating unexplained infertility. IVF doubles as a way of diagnosing any subtle fertility issues, like egg and sperm quality. In vitro fertilization can also detect embryo development issues and implantation issues.
There is hope with unexplained infertility
With unexplained infertility, couples often get frustrated but there are options. Doctors typically assure their patients there is hope. They can refer a proven clinic specializing in infertility testing. The clinic will be able to take a granular approach, providing clarity. Once more information is gathered a specific treatment can be prescribed providing the best outcome possible.
