Problems Associated with Unexplained Infertility
For many couples, infertility is a long and emotional road. The process in working towards a goal can be very tedious and filled with confusion and hurdles. One of the most perplexing diagnoses an individual or couple may encounter is unexplained infertility. As an infertility specialist, I appreciate how distressing this diagnosis is, especially when no clear reason for the infertility could be discovered. Nevertheless, you should not lose hope, and you need to remember that unexplained infertility, while infuriating, is not a diagnosis of despair.
What Is Unexplained Infertility?
Unexplained infertility is when a couple has been unable to conceive after trying for at least one year (or six months if the woman is over 35), but all the standard fertility tests come back normal. These tests typically include semen analysis for the male partner, ovulation tracking and hormone tests for the female partner, as well as imaging procedures to examine the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Think about this piece of information: even though all tests appear totally normal, the couple’s attempts to achieve their pregnancy remains unsuccessful. While this might sound confusing, it’s important to note that not having an answer does not mean that it cannot be treated.
Underlying Causes Examined
While the term unexplained infertility implies a lack of an identifiable cause, rest assured there are certain factors which remain undiagnosed. Some reasons are provided below:
- General Issues with Egg and Sperm Quality: Even when advanced tests indicate normal results, there may be concerns at microscopic level. Infertility can stem from the integrity of the sperm’s DNA or the quality of a woman’s ovaries, neither of which may be evident during standard tests.
- Problems Associated with Embryo Development: There are certain factors regarding embodiments which may be left out. Some embryos, regardless of healthy gametes, may be incapable of developing or properly implanting in the uterus, giving rise to infertility.
- Factors Relating to Immune Systems: The immune system sometimes produces hormones and immunoglobulin that may interfere with the process of conceiving, but these tests are not standard.
- Relating to Lifestyle: Certain non-medical or lifestyle factors like stress, changes in weight, diet, or exposure to toxins, even when a couple’s tests are normal, can lead to infertility.
- These Reasons Will Sound Strange, But Some Mutations within One Partner’s Body Can Cause Infertility: There are cases where one partner can experience subtle genetic mutations affecting fertility and can go undetected.
While having no explanations for infertility can be discouraging, there are many different avenues of treatment actively pursued today. Modern science predominantly focuses on finding a solution. As a professional in the field of reproductive medicine, I would recommend the following methods for unexplained infertility:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): the transfer of sperm into the uterus during the woman’s ovulation period in order to increase possibilities of fertilization as the sperm is more likely to encounter the egg.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): is one of the basic and most efficient treatments for obstetric or gynecological sterility. We can observe the activity of the sperm cell and its combination with the egg cell, thereby easily detecting the problems that may arise with embryo implantation and pregnancy retention.
- Induction of Ovulation: In the case where ovulation is not a major issue, medication for inducing ovulation has been proven to help manage a woman’s menstrual cycles while increasing chances of conception.
Dietary Adjustments: Assisting with weight maintenance, regulating stress levels, and improving diet can prove to make a positive difference in fertility.
Conclusion
Unexplained infertility is indeed one of the most sensitive and emotional diagnoses. That being said, it is crucial to acknowledge that modern science is actively pursuing creating a ideal reproductive environment for patients suffering from unexplained and idiopathic infertility.
I work directly with my patients as their infertility specialist. I provide aid and consultation as we assess every available option. If you are still trying to conceive with no apparent success, I recommend seeking professional care—it’s possible that the help you need in order to become a parent is nearer than you think.
Reach out to our office if you need clarification or are interested in booking an appointment. Our professionals are here to guide you through the complexities of fertility.
