Infertility has specific causes, such as ovulation disorders, structural abnormalities in the reproductive system, and hormonal imbalances. Other causes range from blocked fallopian tubes to sperm-related conditions. If a fertility specialist can’t identify the immediate cause, they may diagnose a patient with unexplained infertility. Here are a few tips on how to navigate the journey after such a diagnosis:
Understand the Diagnosis
During a visit with a fertility specialist, they may perform standard tests to evaluate your ovulation, fallopian tubes, and uterine health. If these tests come back normal, it doesn’t always mean there’s no underlying issue. Being unable to conceive could be a result of egg quality issues, embryo development problems, genetic conditions, or immune factors. These conditions sometimes go undetected with routine screening.
If one is unable to conceive naturally without an explainable condition, specialists may recommend tests for specific issues like endometriosis and progesterone resistance. Endometriosis is a leading cause of unexplained infertility, and it occurs when endometrial tissues grow outside the uterus. Endometrial tissues grow and shed naturally during monthly menstrual cycles. The tissues usually grow inside the uterus in readiness for embryo implantation, but with endometriosis, they may also grow around the ovary or inside the fallopian tube.
When this happens, the tissues can block the pathway for the sperm and egg to meet. Abnormal growth sometimes also leads to inflammation, hormonal imbalance, or poor implantation. Endometriosis may cause in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure and infertility, and requires surgical removal or hormonal regulation to treat the condition. Seek a comprehensive diagnosis to rule out all known causes of infertility and address potential underlying conditions.
Compare Alternative Pathways
Some cases of infertility may be treatable with medication, lifestyle changes, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. If the specialist identifies an underlying condition, such as a blocked fallopian tube, they are able to schedule operations to remove the blockage. In the case of unexplained or idiopathic infertility, specialists don’t have a specific condition to treat. They may recommend timed intercourse to line up with ovulation, intrauterine insemination, or ovulation-stimulating drugs.
Another common treatment is IVF, which involves fertilizing the egg outside the womb and implanting viable embryos. IVF also involves genetic testing to screen for chromosomal issues that might lead to a miscarriage. Other treatment options include donor sperm and egg, or surrogacy. Before exploring assisted reproductive technologies and donors, fertility specialists attempt to address every potential cause of infertility.
They may recommend a BCL6 test, which checks for markers of inflamed uterine lining and potential endometriosis. Another test is the CD138, which helps to confirm if one has endometriosis. Fertility specialists also recommend screening for bacterial infections, such as endometritis, which is an infection in the uterine lining. If all tests come back normal, specialists can revisit your lifestyle and nutrition choices to identify changes that support overall fertility health, such as:
- Eating a balanced diet with more antioxidants
- Reducing consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods
- Incorporating fertility-supporting supplements like folate and vitamin D
Track Reproductive Health
Some cases of infertility may resolve without advanced interventions, while others require quick treatment. Tracking your reproductive health allows specialists to monitor changes and habits that may be impacting fertility. After diagnosis, take time to assess one’s lifestyle, diet, and medical history. Your specialist can provide a professional assessment, complete with changes one should make. Follow their advice and get regular screening to assess ovulation, reproductive health organs, and hormones.
Fertility specialists may recommend tests to uncover hidden factors, such as abnormal uterine structure. Other tests include advanced sperm DNA fragmentation and an immune panel. These aren’t typically first-line tests used when diagnosing infertility, but they may offer answers when other evaluations are unable to identify a cause. Follow through with all prescriptions and fertility medication as the specialist tracks one’s reproductive health. Ongoing monitoring allows specialists to identify a suitable timeframe for treatments.
Check for Potential Causes of Unexplained Infertility
Navigating the fertility journey after an unexplained infertility diagnosis requires ongoing evaluation. Various tests, such as BCL6 and CD138, help identify conditions like silent endometriosis and progesterone resistance. Fertility specialists are able to recommend different treatment options for addressing infertility. Speak with specialists today to identify potential causes of unexplained infertility.
