Getting Pregnant With Unexplained Infertility

Introduction

A healthcare professional will diagnose you with "unexplained infertility" if both of you have undergone an assessment for infertility and no apparent reason has been identified. An individual diagnosed with "unexplained infertility" should have been actively trying to become pregnant for 12 months (for individuals under the age of 35), or for 6 months (for individuals over the age of 35).

Hidden Causes Of Unexplained Infertility

In cases of unexplained infertility, all basic fertility tests will often be performed, and the results will be normal. However, this does not always mean that the couple has been successful in conceiving. There can usually be very minor or hidden problems that are not detectable by basic fertility tests; therefore, the couple's ability to conceive is affected. Several potential issues that may not be readily apparent, but may affect infertility include:

• Despite the timing of ovulation being appropriate, the eggs may not be capable of being fertilised and developing into an embryo.
• The sperm of the male may be within the normal range as to the volume of sperm, but the sperm may not swim properly, or the sperm may not have the ability to fertilise the egg.
• At times, there is a slight discrepancy in the timing of sperm and egg meeting, even with regular cycles.
• Most small hormonal imbalances won't show up on routine testing, but they can interfere with ovulation and embryo development.
• A woman's immune system can sometimes treat the embryo as an invader, causing it to stop growing.
• Higher than normal levels of stress or lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and too many workouts can harm fertility even when they do not show up as abnormal on any of the routine tests.

Tests Required To Diagnose Unexplained Infertility

Several key diagnostic tools may be used. Some of the common comprehensive hormonal evaluations include:

• Blood testing to determine reproductive hormone concentrations and thyroid hormone levels; assists in assessing egg reserves and verifying ovulatory potential.
• A detailed pelvic ultrasound of the ovaries, uterus, and endometrial lining provides insight regarding cysts, fibroids, and/or a thin endometrial lining.
• A hysterosalpingography, or HSG, is an X-ray assessment used to determine whether or not the uterus and fallopian tubes are open and in good condition.
• Multiple assessments of semen that appear to be normal after a single test can provide more accurate information regarding sperm count, motility, and morphology.
• Advanced sperm function tests the DNA integrity of sperm and the ability of sperm to fertilise an egg.
• A laparoscopic procedure is done to view inside the body and assess for conditions that can be associated with infertility, such as endometriosis, scar tissue, and hidden infections.
• Endometrial receptivity testing is done to determine whether the endometrium is prepared to receive an embryo.

Treatment Options For Unexplained Infertility

Infertility treatment usually starts with the most basic methods, followed by increasingly sophisticated methods depending on your needs and the possible causes of your infertility. Common methods of treatment include:

• Healthy lifestyle changes (eating well, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, etc.) have been shown to significantly impact fertility.
• Endocrine treatments to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs, increasing your odds of conceiving.
• Timed intercourse involves scheduling sexual activity around the woman's most fertile cycle.
• IUI (intrauterine insemination), which is when sperm is introduced into the uterus during ovulation.
• IVF (in vitro fertilisation) involves fertilising eggs and sperm together in a laboratory before transferring an embryo into the uterus.
• Alternative methods, such as using donor sperm or eggs, are available if you understand through your testing that, at some point in the future, you will have a problem with producing eggs or sperm.
• Emotional support, which may be obtained through counselling or participation in support groups, has been found to help significantly during this process.

Conclusion

Having unexplained infertility may be frustrating and confusing. Although it is common to feel discouraged when diagnosed with unexplained infertility, many options exist to help people become pregnant that involve the use of medication, ICSI, or IVF. Unexplained infertility does not mean you are unable to become pregnant at some point in your life. It simply means that your healthcare provider is going to have to look at various ways to achieve a pregnancy for you. Therefore, it is important to find a healthcare provider who understands your condition and finds the best treatment option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the waiting period for contacting your doctor if you haven't achieved pregnancy yet?

Most doctors suggest a wait time of one year before being evaluated for infertility. If you are over the age of 34, however, you should seek evaluation after six months.

Are there any methods that can assist in the avoidance of unexplained infertility?

Some methods regarding your lifestyle and overall health can help, such as: maintaining a healthy weight for your body, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and reducing your risk of sexually transmitted infections by using condoms.

Is unexplained infertility a permanent problem?

There are cases of couples who have been able to conceive on their own or through medical assistance after experiencing infertility.

Will frozen embryo transfer benefit couples who are experiencing unexplained infertility?

In some instances, FET may increase the success of a pregnancy by allowing for some recovery between the time that the embryos have been frozen.

Will unexplained infertility ever go away on its own?

In younger couples, it is not uncommon for the couple to become pregnant without medical assistance.