If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a while without success, you may be feeling frustrated and confused.
You may wonder why it’s not happening for you, especially if there are no obvious medical issues.
This is where the term “unexplained infertility” comes in.
Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis given to couples who have been trying to conceive for at least a year without success, and for whom no obvious cause of infertility can be found.
It’s estimated that about 10-15% of couples who are trying to conceive will experience unexplained infertility.
This can be a frustrating diagnosis, as it means that there is no clear path to treatment.
However, it’s important to remember that unexplained infertility doesn’t mean that you will never be able to conceive.
There are still options available, and with the right support and guidance, many couples are able to successfully conceive and have children.
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Understanding Unexplained Infertility
What is Unexplained Infertility?
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year, but have been unsuccessful, you may be experiencing infertility.
Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis given to couples who have been unable to conceive despite undergoing fertility testing that shows no clear cause for their infertility.
This can be frustrating, as it leaves you with more questions than answers.
Causes of Unexplained Infertility
There are several factors that can contribute to infertility, such as age, ovulation disorders, sperm quality, blocked fallopian tubes, and endometriosis.
However, in some cases, there may be no clear underlying cause.
Diagnosis of unexplained infertility is typically made after a comprehensive fertility evaluation that includes a physical exam, hormone testing, semen analysis, and imaging tests such as an HSG or ultrasound.
In some cases, additional testing such as laparoscopy or ovarian reserve testing may be necessary.
Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, there are still several treatment options available to you.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, or reducing alcohol intake.
Fertility drugs such as Clomid or gonadotropins may also be prescribed to stimulate ovulation.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may also be recommended.
During IUI, sperm is directly inserted into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
IVF involves fertilizing eggs outside the body and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.
In some cases, expectant management may be recommended, which involves continuing to try to conceive naturally without any medical intervention.
Additionally, using a gestational carrier may be an option for some couples.
Prognosis
The prognosis for couples with unexplained infertility varies.
While some may be able to conceive naturally, others may require fertility treatment.
It’s important to remember that infertility is a common problem and seeking support from a fertility support group or seeking a second opinion from a different doctor may be helpful.
Diagnosing Unexplained Infertility
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, you may be experiencing infertility.
This means that despite having regular intercourse, there is no clear reason why you are unable to conceive.
In this section, we will discuss the diagnostic process for unexplained infertility.
Fertility Workup
The first step in diagnosing unexplained infertility is to schedule an appointment with your doctor, who will refer you to a fertility specialist or gynecologist.
The specialist will perform a fertility workup, which includes a thorough medical history and physical exam.
During the medical history, the specialist will ask you and your partner about any medical conditions, medications, lifestyle factors, and sexual habits that may be impacting your fertility.
Infertility Testing
After the medical history, the specialist will perform infertility testing.
This may include a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which is an X-ray that checks for blockages in the fallopian tubes.
The specialist may also perform an antral follicle count (AFC) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test to check your ovarian reserve.
For men, a sperm analysis will be performed to check for any abnormalities.
Physical Exam
Finally, the specialist will perform a physical exam to check for any physical abnormalities that may be impacting fertility.
In some cases, a laparoscopy may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the reproductive system.
In conclusion, diagnosing unexplained infertility requires a comprehensive medical history, infertility testing, and physical exam.
If you are experiencing unexplained infertility, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to begin the diagnostic process.
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Treatment Options for Unexplained Infertility
If you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, there are several treatment options available to help you conceive.
These options include lifestyle changes, fertility drugs, assisted reproductive technology, and expectant management.
Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Some of the changes you can make include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress levels
Fertility Drugs
Fertility drugs can help stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Some of the most commonly used fertility drugs include:
- Clomid
- Letrozole
- Gonadotropins
Assisted Reproductive Technology
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) can help couples with unexplained infertility conceive.
Some of the most commonly used ART procedures include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Ovarian stimulation with timed intercourse
Expectant Management
Expectant management involves monitoring your ovulation cycle and timing intercourse accordingly.
This approach is often used when the cause of infertility is unknown.
Your doctor may recommend this approach if you are under 35 years old and have been trying to conceive for less than a year.
In some cases, gestational carriers may also be used to help couples with unexplained infertility conceive.
Overall, there are several treatment options available for couples with unexplained infertility.
Your doctor can help you determine which option is best for you based on your individual circumstances.
Coping with Unexplained Infertility
Dealing with unexplained infertility can be an emotionally challenging experience for couples.
Despite undergoing various fertility tests, the cause of infertility remains unknown.
Coping with this uncertainty can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage the stress and anxiety associated with unexplained infertility.
Support Groups
Joining a support group can be a helpful way to cope with infertility.
It can provide a safe space for couples to share their experiences, emotions, and feelings.
Support groups can also offer practical advice and coping strategies.
You can find support groups online or in-person through infertility clinics, hospitals, or community organizations.
Second Opinions
Getting a second opinion from another fertility specialist can be beneficial for couples dealing with unexplained infertility.
It can provide a fresh perspective and a new approach to treatment.
It’s essential to find a fertility specialist who is experienced in diagnosing and treating infertility.
You can ask your current fertility specialist for a referral or research online for reputable fertility clinics.
It’s important to remember that unexplained infertility is not your fault, and you are not alone.
Seeking support and exploring different treatment options can help you cope with the challenges of unexplained infertility.
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Final Thoughts
Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis given to couples who have been trying to conceive for at least a year but have not been able to conceive despite having no obvious medical issues that would prevent pregnancy.
In other words, there is no clear explanation for why the couple is having difficulty getting pregnant.
Some possible factors that could contribute to unexplained infertility include:
1. Age-related decline in fertility
2. Stress and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet
3. Hormonal imbalances or irregular menstrual cycles
4. Sperm abnormalities or low sperm count in men
5. Blocked fallopian tubes or other structural issues in women.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, it is important to seek the advice of a fertility specialist who can help to identify any potential underlying causes of infertility and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Works Cited
Unexplained fertility: Tests, Diagnosis & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Unexplained fertility | Loma Linda Center for Fertility (lomalindafertility.com)
Unexplained fertility and chance of pregnancy | Your Fertility