Understanding Unexplained Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Unexplained infertility is a type of infertility where fertility testing hasn't found a specific reason for a couple's inability to get pregnant. It is also referred to as idiopathic infertility.
Classification of unexplained infertility is typically done after both intended parents’ complete fertility testing that reveals:
- No uterine abnormalities
- Regular ovulation
- Unobstructed fallopian tubes
- Normal hormone levels
- A good egg count
- Normal sperm analysis
Possible reasons for unexplained infertility include:
- Undiagnosed underlying conditions
- Endometriosis
- Egg or sperm quality issues
- Poorly timed intercourse
Diagnostic methods for unexplained infertility include:
- Semen analysis to assess sperm quality and quantity (in the male partner)
- Saline sonogram (SHG) to assess the health of the uterus
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to make sure the fallopian tubes are open
- Blood work to measure anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, which correlate to ovarian reserve (the amount of eggs left)
- Transvaginal ultrasound to perform a follicle count
Hormones play a crucial role in fertility and hormonal imbalances can contribute to unexplained infertility. Hormones involved in fertility include:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Oestrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
Treatment methods for unexplained infertility include:
- Medications that stimulate egg production and ovulation, either by themselves or in conjunction with IUI or IVF treatment
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a well-balanced diet
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and embryo banking
- Third-party reproduction, such as donor eggs or sperm
IVF and ICSI are both effective treatment options for unexplained infertility. IVF involves four main steps: ovarian stimulation using hormonal medications, egg retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer. ICSI is a type of IVF that involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg.
It's important to note that unexplained infertility can be frustrating, but it doesn't mean that you have to give up on your family-building dreams. With the right treatment and support, many people with unexplained infertility are able to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.
At Genome The Fertility Centre, we're dedicated to helping couple overcome unexplained fertility challenges and achieve their reproductive goals. If you're struggling to conceive due to unexplained infertility, don't hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and support.
