What Is Unexplained Infertility & Do You Have It?
It feels like you’ve tried everything.
When you had difficulty conceiving, you submitted to a barrage of tests checking for things like blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal issues, or ovulation problems. Your partner was even evaluated to see if they had a low sperm count.
But these tests all came back normal. What does this mean? Could this be a case of unexplained infertility? So what is unexplained infertility, and even more importantly, how do you know if you have it?
Those struggling with the emotional and physical challenges of infertility are often frustrated, exhausted, and even depressed. “Unexplained infertility” is a diagnosis that is particularly disheartening to hear. We’ll explore what is unexplained fertility and what options couples have for conception. We encourage those who are facing infertility to contact us for an appointment so they can understand treatment options that can help.
What Is Unexplained Infertility?
If you are having trouble conceiving, we will perform a variety of tests to try to pinpoint the problem and offer safe, effective solutions. But sometimes, there’s no obvious cause of infertility, and all the test results are normal. When there is no obvious reason why you’re not able to get pregnant, that’s called unexplained fertility.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, as many as 30 percent of all couples trying to conceive can be affected by unexplained infertility.
How Do I Know If I Have Unexplained Infertility?
If you have undergone extensive testing without discovering the reason behind your inability to conceive, you likely have unexplained fertility.
In certain cases, a cause for infertility may exist, but it could be something that we can’t measure or test for.
An example would be an undiagnosed underlying condition, such as a thyroid problem, that might affect fertility. Other examples could include mild cases of endometriosis which exhibit no symptoms. Problems with cervical mucus could also present a problem for conception.
In addition, while an ultrasound can tell us how many eggs you have, it doesn’t necessarily tell us about the quality of your eggs. Blood tests can give us some clues, but egg quality is often difficult to evaluate.
Is There Treatment for My Unexplained Infertility?
Because it isn’t clear what is causing your infertility, it can be challenging to find the right treatment for unexplained infertility. However, some possible solutions include in vitro fertilization, intrauterine insemination, fertility medication, and even lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes may include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking (if you smoke)
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting how much caffeine you drink
- Avoiding alcohol
- Reducing stress
Associates in Women’s Healthcare Offers Support and Compassion During Your Journey
Infertility is one of the most emotionally and physically exhausting challenges women face. Fortunately, we have helped hundreds of area women conceive and give birth to healthy babies. We offer extensive infertility treatments coupled with a supportive and encouraging healthcare environment.
If you’re not sure if you have unexplained infertility, please contact us for an appointment. We would consider it a privilege to be with you on this journey.