Author: Dr. Vaani Mehta
Unexplained Infertility - Its Causes, Treatment, and Chances of Pregnancy
What is Unexplained Infertility ?
The term unexplained infertility is used when a complete physical examination as well as diagnostic tests do not reveal any obvious causes of infertility.
An estimated 5% to 10% of couples trying to conceive are diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
The diagnosis of unexplained infertility is made after conducting thorough fertility evaluation for both partners.
When several tests reveal the following, a fertility doctor may diagnose the couple with infertility that is unexplained:
● Regular ovulation
● Open and healthy fallopian tubes
● Good ovarian reserve
● Normal semen analysis
● No critical uterine or cervical factors.
● No abnormal immunological or coagulation disorders
The condition is noticed when fertility experts start evaluating women below the age of 35 years have been trying to get pregnant for over a year, and those over the age of 35 have been trying to get pregnant for at least six months.
Causes of Unexplained Infertility
There can be a host of reasons for unexplained infertility in men and women, which are as follows:
In Men –
● Issues with sperm DNA that go unrevealed in a routine semen analysis.
● An underlying comorbid condition or sexual dysfunction, that has not been diagnosed yet.
In Women –
● Poor egg quality
● Endometriosis with/without symptoms
● PCOS
● Cervical factors
● Anti sperm antibodies
● Luteal phase defect
How to Diagnose Unexplained Infertility?
As mentioned, several fertility tests are conducted to determine why a couple may be unable to conceive, and unexplained infertility is diagnosed when these tests rule out different causes of infertility. With that said, here are the tests that can be opted for the diagnosis:
● Physical examination
● Complete sexual and medical history
● Semen analysis
● Pelvic ultrasound
● Blood tests to check hormonal levels.
● Tests for ovulation.
● Ovarian reserve testing
● Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy
It is when none of the above-mentioned tests reveal a problem that the couple is diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
Does Unexplained Infertility Mean You Can Never Get Pregnant?
No, unexplained infertility does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. The condition merely indicates that the cause of infertility is unclear. However, taking certain steps and leveraging different types of fertility technologies and medications can help you get pregnant.
Unexplained Infertility Treatment - Assisted Reproductive Technology
Many couples wonder how to get pregnant with unexplained infertility, and there are varied ART-based solutions that can be considered.
● IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Washing and concentrating the sperm in a lab and placing them in the uterus at the time of ovulation for fertilization.
● In-Vitro Fertilization: Using the gametes of the couple to create embryos in a state-of-the-art IVF laboratory.
Medication as a Treatment for Unexplained Infertility
● Inducing ovulation using oral as well as injectable medications through controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
● Using gonadotropins and antioxidants as a solution for low sperm count and to boost egg formation.
Lifestyle Changes
Infertility can also be caused by a variety of lifestyle choices, which when avoided, may help with the issue. Here are some suggested lifestyle changes:
● Avoid smoking, taking recreational drugs, and alcohol consumption.
● Consume a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients.
● Keep a check on your weight.
● Exercise regularly
● 6-8 hours of sleep.
● Restrict your daily caffeine consumption.
● Avoid getting over-stressed.
Natural Pregnancy After Unexplained Infertility
Since the causes of infertility with no evident explanation are unclear, exploring certain steps is worth trying for natural pregnancy.
● Maintain a menstrual calendar to know when your ovaries are releasing an egg.
● Ensure regularPlan intercourse around ovulation.
● Ensure you have a healthy lifestyle when you are planning a child.
● Undergo a health check-up to ensure that you are healthy for conception.
Unexplained Infertility Over the Age of 35 - Getting Pregnant
While medication may work well for women below the age of 35, one of the best options for those over the age of 35 years is IVF (in-vitro fertilization).
IVF involves an intensive process of assessing the quality of the eggs, improved methods of fertilization, and embryo transfer.
While unexplained infertility may seem like a daunting diagnosis, there are several ways to overcome the condition and get pregnant. To know more about different fertility-related issues, their causes, evaluation, and treatment,
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