Can I get pregnant with unexplained infertility?

Yes, with the right support team and patience. It is possible to get pregnant, even if the cause of your infertility cannot be detected. Remember, that science is progressing every day.

Can unexplained infertility be cured?

While there is no cure for infertility, there are ways to manage it and eventually conceive.

Unexplained Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Infertility can be diagnosed if a couple has been trying, but struggling to conceive after six to twelve months. However, in some cases, no clear cause can be identified, despite conducting full fertility workups. This is referred to as unexplained infertility. Some couples receive this diagnosis, making the process of conception extremely challenging and frustrating.

Understanding Unexplained Fertility

Unexplained infertility is when all the standard tests like ovulation tracking, semen analysis, and fallopian tube checks come back normal. However, this does not mean that there is no cause. It just means that the current medical technology is unable to detect a cause.

How Unexplained Infertility is Diagnosed

Unexplained infertility is typically diagnosed following a comprehensive evaluation. These tests include:

Ovulation assessment: To check if eggs are released regularly.

Semen analysis: To assess the sperm quality, motility and count.

Imaging tests: Tests like Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) can be done to check the fallopian tubes and uterus.

Blood tests: To check the levels of hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), thyroid hormones and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH).

These tests are mostly conducted to rule out the most obvious causes.

Possible Causes of Unexplained Infertility

Even if it is unexplained, there are usually some factors that could be the probable cause. If your tests appear normal, here are some of the possible causes you are facing infertility.

Egg quality: Poor egg quality may not show up on standard tests, despite being the cause.

Sperm function abnormalities: Even if the sperm count and motility are normal, there may be issues with DNA fragmentation in the sperm, which is undetectable.

Egg-sperm interaction issues: Fertilisation may not be occurring due to biochemical incompatibilities that standard tests are unable to detect.

Mild endometriosis: At times, low-grade endometriosis can go undetected and cause issues with conception.

Implantation issues: Due to uterine lining issues, sometimes, the embryo might form but fail to implant.

Hormonal imbalance: Minor imbalances in hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, or thyroid hormones can interfere with conception.

Immune system problems: Overactive immune systems can attack the embryo.

Environmental and lifestyle factors: Exposure to toxins, alcohol or drug abuse, smoking, diet or excessive weight gain or loss may also play a role.

The Emotional Impact of Unexplained Fertility

Unexplained infertility can be a frustrating experience for couples trying to conceive.

Psychological stress and frustration: Sometimes, not having a clear diagnosis can be harder and more confusing than having one. Situations like this can make you feel stuck.

Coping with uncertainty: Since there is no diagnosis, you may have a lot of anxiety and worry over what to do next and whether treatment options would be effective.

Impact on relationships: Unexplained infertility can be challenging for the relationship as well, given feelings of guilt and shame rising up. Couples may find it difficult to express these feelings to each other. Clear communication is very important to be able to deal with these feelings.

How To Treat Unexplained Infertility

Despite there being no clear reasons or diagnosis, there are some things you could do to make conception more likely.

Lifestyle adjustments:

Diet and nutrition: Try to maintain a healthy diet consisting of anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3s. Additionally, consider taking nutritional supplements.

Exercise and weight management: Moderate, regular exercise is good for your overall well-being and reproductive health. It can improve circulation and hormonal balance. Maintaining a healthy BMI can also help improve fertility outcomes.

Stress management: Unexplained infertility can be stressful. There is a connection between stress and reproductive health. Try meditation, yoga and mindfulness to get your stress levels under control.

Medical treatments:

Ovulation induction: Ask your doctor about medications you can use for inducing ovulation. Before starting any medication, it is extremely important to consult a doctor.

Intrauterine insemination: Sperm is cleaned and placed directly into the uterus to improve the chances of fertilisation.

IVF: IVF is a good option because it bypasses many natural processes allowing for fertilisation to occur directly in the lab. It also allows the embryo to be checked for abnormalities.

Advanced testing: Advanced tests like sperm DNA fragmentation tests can identify damage to sperm that is not detected in routine tests. Tests like Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) can assess if the uterine lining is ready for implantation.

Emerging options:

Microbiome testing: This test investigates the bacteria in the uterus to check if the conditions are optimal for implantation.

Immune therapy: If your doctor detects issues with your immune system, they will recommend treatments like intralipid infusions.

Donor eggs or sperm: In some rare cases, using donor gametes can help bypass reproductive issues.

When To Seek Help

If you have been trying to conceive for some time, without any results, it can be frustrating. If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for twelve months, without results, it is best to consult a specialist. However, people over the age of 35 should consult a specialist within six months of trying without success. In most cases, it is also a good idea to get a second opinion.

Coping Strategies For Unexplained Infertility

Dealing with unexplained fertility can be extremely difficult mentally and emotionally. Here are some things you can do to help manage your emotions.

Join a support group: You can join an online group of people going through the same issues as you. This way, you will know that you are not alone.

Therapy and counselling: Consult a therapist specialising in fertility issues to talk about your feelings. This can help with coping with the challenges of fertility and any relationship issues arising due to it.

Mind-body programmes: Mind-body programmes like acupuncture and mindfulness can help with stress management and improve mental well-being.

Unexplained infertility can be more challenging than having a diagnosis. With unexplained fertility, you may not be able to understand what to do next. It is important to remember that even with a clear diagnosis, many couples face issues in conceiving, despite trying medical treatments and making lifestyle changes.

Stay proactive and be patient, because fertility science has advancements every year. Many couples can go on to build a family with the right care team.

FAQs on Unexplained Infertility: What It Means and What You Can Do

Can I get pregnant with unexplained infertility?
Yes, with the right support team and patience. It is possible to get pregnant, even if the cause of your infertility cannot be detected. Remember, that science is progressing every day.