What is Unexplained Infertility and What are My Treatment Options?

It’s objectively fun to watch medical mysteries unravel on TV. Fox’s House spun medical mysteries into eight seasons of prime-time television and multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. But while exciting to see on screen, medical mysteries are much different when they happen to you.

Although House would have you believe differently, medical mysteries are actually very common. One of the most common diagnoses is unexplained infertility. About one in four couples will receive this diagnosis while trying to conceive, and it can feel like devastating news. Fortunately, there are still many options to pursue when fighting against unexplained infertility.

Working with a skilled obstetrician and gynecologist is a great start. Darin L Weyhrich, MD and his team can help you explore your specific situation and get you back on track to having the family you’ve always wanted.

Understanding unexplained infertility

Part of what makes an unexplained infertility diagnosis frustrating is the fact that it’s more based on a doctor’s opinion rather than objective fact. The diagnosis is the doctor’s way of telling you that he’s checked many of the variables associated with infertility, but nothing appears wrong other than the inability to conceive. One doctor’s unexplained infertility could be another doctor’s puzzling, but not yet fully evaluated, situation.

Most doctors would agree that infertility is unexplained after confirming the following variables:

• The female is ovulating regularly
• The female’s ovarian reserves are good
• The female’s fallopian tubes are open and healthy
• The male’s semen analysis is normal
• There are no serious uterine fertility issues

As long as eggs are coming and semen is healthy, infertility is categorized as unexplained. If you don’t believe your unexplained infertility diagnosis was thoroughly assessed, seeking a second opinion is a valuable option.

There are countless tests that follow an unexplained fertility diagnosis. Many of the tests conducted before IVF treatments may reveal issues that were not apparent through more basic tests. Issues range from low quality sperm to hostile cervical mucus and, unfortunately, plain bad luck.

Lifestyle changes to make after an infertility diagnosis

If you’re a female under 35 and your male partner does not have fertility issues, the best option is to just keep trying. According to benefit provider Winfertility, 10-25% of couples under 35 who have been trying for at least one year will get pregnant if they try for another year.

As with most health issues, lifestyle changes may raise the probability of conception as well. Options for this route include: losing weight, exercising more, quitting tobacco use, cutting back on caffeine consumption, and generally removing stress.

Medical options after an infertility diagnosis

When it comes to medical treatments for infertility, most doctors would recommend a first step that includes fertility drugs like Clomid, as well as intrauterine insemination (IUI). The combination of stimulated ovulation and more direct placement of semen into the uterus may help give the body the extra push it needs.

Finally, and most famously, there is IVF treatment. As discussed previously, the bevy of tests associated with IVF often discover the true cause of unexplained infertility. IVF has been found to be the most successful route to solving unexplained infertility, while Clomid and IUI have a seven percent success rate, the number hovers around 30% for IVF.

Unexplained infertility definitely isn’t the end of your journey toward pregnancy. With a great doctor and team, you can start or continue your family. Dr. Weyhrich will make sure you get the treatment or resources you need to beat this diagnosis. Call or contact us online today!