Overcoming Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained infertility is a plight that plagues many couples. The lack of answers to fertility issues makes finding a successful treatment very difficult. Research studies have not identified a proper course of action for cases of unexplained infertility.
What is unexplained infertility?
Unexplained infertility affects about 10% of infertile couples around the world. The term refers to infertility when a woman’s ovulation and fallopian tubes are functioning normally, and the male partner appears to have no known problems with sperm count or quality. Cases of unexplained infertility can cause undue stress on hopeful couples.
Usually, frequent and unprotected intercourse results in conception for 90% of couples within 1 year for women under 35 years. Women over 35 years typically need to seek out a diagnostic evaluation after 6 months of not being able to conceive.
Personalized fertility treatment
Couples suffering from unexplained infertility can feel distraught. Unexplained infertility is first diagnosed through semen analysis for the male and blood tests for the female to check hormone levels.
Doctors may perform a laparoscopy to rule out endometriosis in the fallopian tubes and tests for ovarian reserve. Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when no other conditions are apparent. Average results for standard fertility tests lead to an unexplained infertility diagnosis since no other medical condition could be found.
Unexplained infertility treatments
The inability to conceive can lead couples to seek empiric remedies because the treatment does not address a specific problem. Unexplained infertility treatment can include lifestyle changes and timed intercourse.
Some doctors prescribe medications to increase egg production in the ovaries, a process known as ovulation induction. The theory is that a more substantial amount of eggs can increase the chance of pregnancy. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can also be applied to place semen directly inside the uterus.
In vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is dramatically more expensive than a regimen of medications. While IVF is an effective treatment, the process can be prohibitively costly for some couples. IVF cycle prices start in the six-figure range and usually are not covered by insurance.
Concerns with fertility treatments
Over-production of eggs in the ovaries sounds like a recipe for a successful pregnancy but can increase the chance of having multiple babies. Couples can have quite a handful with twins, triplets, or quintuplets instead of a single child. To some couples, a big family can seem like a dream come true.
Where to turn for help
Couples looking to conceive despite an unexplained infertility diagnosis should seek treatment options. Fertility treatments can improve certain cases and give couples the chance to start a family. Couples can visit a fertility specialist to start a holistic and multi-modal approach to resolve unexplained infertility.
