Dealing with Unexplained Infertility
The unexpected barrier to pregnancy is defined as unexplained infertility. Unexplained Infertility is the condition where the couple has the inability to get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive.
According to the studies on infertility cases on a global scale; infertility affects 15% of couples. Unexplained Infertility caused by female factors range is between 40-50% while 20–30% are caused by malefactors. The remaining 20–30% are caused by a combination of male and female factors which is called idiopathic infertility. Although idiopathic translates to ‘unexplained’, unexplained infertility is not the same as idiopathic infertility.
The main difference between unexplained and idiopathic infertility is; in unexplained infertility both couple’s health is normal but there is no fertility but in idiopathic infertility, there is a problem with ovulating or male semen analysis results are not normal but the underlying reason that causes this situation can’t be determined.
Infertility diagnosis involves issues with poor egg or sperm quality. To get certain results semen analysis, assessment of ovulation, a hysterosalpingogram, and tests for ovarian reserve will be done. After the infertility evaluation if the results are normal but the couple still can’t conceive for over a year then the couple will be diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
Unexplained Infertility Treatment
For unexplained fertility treatment, IVF and IUI are the best options, especially if the individuals are over 35. Each patient is unique so does the treatment. In the absence of unexplained infertility treatments generally focus most likely causes.
There are several methods for unexplained fertility treatment. Clomid, injectable gonadotropins, timed sexual intercourse, lifestyle changes are the other options besides IVF and IUI. Furthermore, there is a 1-4% chance of conceiving naturally.
Unexplained infertility Treatment Clomid:
Couples with unexpected infertility may prefer to take Clomid treatment in conjunction with IUI. Clomid pills help to stimulate the ovaries which mean there will be more eggs each month. When Clomid treatment is combined with IUI the chance of getting pregnant will be higher.
Unexplained infertility Treatment IUI:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is performed with the help of a long, thin tube to place sperm directly into the uterus. IUI involves washing and concentrating sperm before placement. The procedure is done around the time of ovulation.
Unexplained infertility Treatment Gonadotropin
Gonadotropin is the other medication option that can be combined with IUI treatment. Gonadotropin injections can be used both for men and women. The aim of gonadotropin injections is to stimulate egg production for women and treat low sperm count for men. When conjunction with IUI, gonadotropin treatment results in better success rates with unexplained infertility.
IVF For Unexplained infertility
IVF is the most expensive, but also the most successful treatment of unexplained infertility. While the pregnancy rate for Clomid with IUI is 7.6 percent; the pregnancy rate per cycle for IVF is 30.7 percent. IVF treatment may be combined with ICSI when it is performed for unexplained infertility.
Timed Sexual Intercourse
When there is unexplained infertility it is hard for the couples to follow up at the right time for ovulation. The fertility specialist will instruct the couple about the right times for sexual intercourse. Besides the time plan, it is important for the couple to have sexual intercourse regularly.
Overall without looking at which treatment will be used “Lifestyle changes” are the most important part of the treatment. Individuals must stop smoking, must curtail consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Both men and women have to stay at an appropriate weight, avoid obesity. Maintaining weight increases the chance of fertility.
Reasons for Unexplained Infertility
Although it is called “unexplained” there is always a reason for infertility. The following passage is to explain probable causes or unexplained infertility;
Luteinized Unruptured Follicle (LUF) Syndrome: In this case, the individual keep producing eggs and the egg gets mature enough properly. But there is a problem with releasing the eggs. The egg is trapped inside the unopened corpus luteum. This situation is named LUF syndrome.
Tubal Factor: Tubal factor infertility accounts for about 25-30% of all cases of infertility. There is a possibility of a slight abnormality when a blockage in the fallopian tubes will not allow the egg and sperm to meet.
Poor Egg Quality: The issues such as lifestyle, diet, hormonal imbalance, stress level, age… may cause poor egg quality. Egg quality is important because it determines embryo quality. Poor egg quality is closely associated with the ovulation cycle. Such eggs with poor quality could have chromosomal anomalies.
Sperm Defects: Poor sperm quality includes morphology (poor sperm shape), low sperm count, or sperm that don’t move well (motility). In some cases, although the male partner may have a normal sperm count, the sperm is unable to fertilize the egg. Such type of sperm defect can be diagnosed as infertility.
Uterine Factors: Abnormalities of the uterus can contribute to the inability to get pregnant. The endometrium texture and thickness will be helpful to get the right conclusion.
