In couples trying to conceive and seek fertility help from experts but all the investigations and tests are normal and still there is no obvious reason for infertility- such cases are called UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY. 5-10% of infertile couples suffer from unexplained infertility. Inconsequential issues that are not severe enough to cause infertility are discovered in a considerably larger percentage of couples. The reasons for unexplained infertility in these situations can be variable. Undiagnosed and/or difficult to treat issues with egg quality, tubal function or sperm function may exist in couples with unexplained infertility.
So, let’s discuss the reasons for unexplained infertility, its diagnosis, and unexplained infertility Treatment – all one by one.
What are the causes of unexplained infertility?
Reasons for unexplained infertility could be any, many, or perhaps none, hence the name unexplained. But so far, some solid causes of unexplained infertility have been discovered in men as well as women. Let’s understand each one by one. There are chances of female facing these problems during secondary infertility.
1. Fertilization Failure
There might be a failure of fertilization of gametes to form an embryo due to intrinsic defects in either of the gametes or both, leading to unexplained infertility
2. Altered Tubal Function
Fallopian tubes play an important role in the process of fertilization by picking up the egg and transporting it to the segment where it meets the sperm and is fertilized inside it, due to abnormal functioning of the tube there might be unexplained infertility.
3. Poor Intercourse Time
Because the sperm has a limited lifespan, when the frequency or timing of sexual intercourse doesn’t coincide with ovulation, the egg is lost either before or after the sexual activity. This is among the top causes of unexplained infertility.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium, the tissue that typically lines the inner lining of your uterus, develops outside of your uterus in other organs. Infertility may be exacerbated by endometriosis, even if it is minor or has no symptoms as it affects the egg quality and affects tubal function.
5. Cervical Mucus Discharge
Cervical mucus can hinder sperm from reaching the uterus, although they are seldom the main reason for infertility. Cervical mucus is not often a big contributor to infertility, although they might be in women who have erosion, infection or cervical stenosis.
6. Poor Egg Quality
As the age of the female partner increases the likelihood of reproductive problem caused by an egg-related conditions increases. There is no formal “egg quality” test, not even for the younger female partner. Blood tests and ultrasound scans might provide hints regarding the quantity of your eggs but not the quality. However, there is no test that can provide a conclusive diagnosis to determine the quality of eggs. Consequently, this may be the cause of unexplained female infertility.
7. Poor Sperm Quality
Semen examination identifies most sperm related abnormalities and can determine the quality of the sperm. But there are still various problems related to the sperm such as the capacity of the sperm to fertilize the egg which can’t be determined.
8. Uterine Lining Issues
The lining of your uterus is called your endometrium. It is what a developing embryo adheres to and develops throughout pregnancy. When the endometrium doesn’t grow or become ready for a fertilized egg, this is referred to as a “luteal phase defect.” This implies that even if an egg is fertilized, it won’t be able to implant, preventing pregnancy.
How is unexplained infertility diagnosed?
Both partners are medically evaluated to establish the reason for infertility via a number of tests. Male partner’s sperm count and quality(morphology), such as shape and motility, are examined in order to estimate the possibility that they will fertilize an egg.
Likewise, ovarian function is assessed to watch for correct ovulation, analyze the tubal and uterine systems in women, and measure different hormone levels.
Together, these tests enable us to rule out infertility caused by male partner, ovulatory, tubal, and uterine factors. These medical tests help with the diagnosis of unexplained male infertility or unexplained female infertility, or both, as there is otherwise no visible indication of infertility.
What are the Chances of Getting Pregnant with Unexplained Infertility?
If you have been given an undiagnosed infertility diagnosis, you can still become pregnant. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA’s research, 92% of couples who underwent reproductive treatments for unexplained infertility ended up becoming parents. Similar cases have been successful in India and other Asian nations too. You don’t have to give up on having children just because you’ve been told you have Unexplained Male Infertility or for that matter, unexplained female infertility.
What are the various unexplained infertility treatments?
We are sharing some major and successful FOUR treatments that have been great in uprooting the causes of unexplained Infertility.
1. Lifestyle Changes
A lot of factors, like following a healthy diet and exercise routine; avoiding smoking or regular alcohol use; practicing healthy and hygienic sexual habits to avoid sexual diseases, etc., can contribute to a healthy sexual life and thus prevent unexplained infertility.
2. Improved Intercourse Time
Conception should happen within a short interval in your menstrual cycle. To increase your chances of becoming pregnant, your healthcare practitioner will always help you pinpoint this window. Do ask us for this unexplained infertility treatment!
3. Reproduction Boosting Medications (Fertility Enhancing Medicine)
You can use these drugs alone or in conjunction with IUI and IVF treatment; they help promote ovulation and egg production. The hormones in gonadotropins are used to treat low sperm counts and increase egg formation. Additionally, clomiphene increases egg production by stimulating the ovaries. Do not take these medications or access them without medical supervision. Your doctor will recommend a course of action depending on your particular health circumstances.
4. IUI
During IUI treatment sperms are cleaned and concentrated in the lab and then are injected inside the womb/ uterus through a specialized plastic catheter.
5. In-Vitro Fertilization- IVF
ART is a form of fertility treatment where the fertilization process is partially carried out outside the body or gametes are processed outside the body to aid fertilization. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF treatment) are two types of ARTs. Using your eggs and your partner’s (or a donor’s) sperm, IVF entails developing embryos in a lab before transferring them to your uterus to develop.
The Final Advice
Undiagnosed infertility may be an upsetting and perplexing condition, because no one is able to ascertain the reasons for unexplained infertility. But then…there are unexplained infertility treatments available to help you, so try not get depressed. Simply consult a good medical expert who can guide you through these testing times, medically as well as mentally.
