Idiopathic or unexplained infertility is when you’ve been trying to conceive without success and don’t understand why. The reason is still unclear after fertility tests, investigations, and assessments. Your doctor can devise a treatment plan matching your circumstances and goals to overcome the diagnosis. Here is more information about the diagnosis of idiopathic infertility, possible causes, and common treatments:
Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained infertility can occur when there is no possible explanation for why a couple or individual is not conceiving. Couples trying to get pregnant may have normal fertility test results without any detectable reason for infertility. 30% of infertile couples get diagnosed with idiopathic infertility. Many researchers and clinicians emphasize that for a couple to be considered infertile it depends on the quality, quantity, and characteristics of the applied diagnostic tests.
Common Causes of Idiopathic Infertility
Idiopathic infertility has no specific cause; if the cause exists, providers cannot test for it or measure it. Some potential reasons for idiopathic infertility can include the following:
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium (small sections of the womb lining) begins to grow in other areas like the ovaries. The condition can damage the fallopian tubes or ovaries and cause infertility. Mild endometriosis may not be easily diagnosed and may have no obvious symptoms. It can cause the formation of cysts or scarring, reducing the chances of conception.
Age
The biological clock can challenge individuals trying to conceive in their 30s. Patients over 35 years commonly experience decreased pregnancy rates.
Irregular Cycles
Many couples or individuals can conceive after trying for a year when the female has a regular menstrual cycle. But if they have irregular cycles, it may be hard to identify the ideal window for conception, making it a challenge for the sperm and egg to meet at the appropriate time.
General Sub-fertility
Some couples or individuals may take a while to conceive successfully. Fertility treatment methods may help them get pregnant faster.
Thick Cervical Mucus
The mucus in the cervix gets thinner when you’re ovulating for sperm to swim through it easily. If the mucus is thick, you can have a hard time conceiving.
Types of Fertility Tests
You and your partner should get tested if you are struggling to conceive. Your doctor can order fertility tests, which normally happen in a fertility clinic or hospital. These tests can include:
Sperm Test
Sometimes infertility issues can be because the male partner has sperm that is not moving well or insufficient sperm. A sperm test should determine if this may be the cause of infertility.
Blood Test
Hormone imbalance can lead to ovulation problems. A blood test gets done to check the levels of hormones in the female’s blood for indications of ovulation problems.
Test for Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection transmitted through sexual intercourse and can cause fertility problems and pelvic inflammation disease. A swab from the neck of your cervix or the urethra or a urine test can help determine if you have the infection.
Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound scan checks the woman’s fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. Certain conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis, can cause infertility problems. The scan checks for any blockages in the fallopian tubes that may stop the eggs from traveling into the uterus.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy can be done if you have a pelvic problem like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Your doctor will use a laparoscope (camera) to check the condition of your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
Common Treatments for Idiopathic Infertility
When your provider fails to find a definitive cause for idiopathic infertility, they can recommend treatment that focuses on the possible causes. Common treatments can include:
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
ART is a fertility treatment whereby the woman’s egg gets removed from their body and is fused with the sperm to create embryos. The embryos are then put back inside the woman’s body. The treatment includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). IVF involves the providers creating embryos using your partner or donor sperm and your eggs outside of the body and injecting them into the uterus to grow. For IUI, providers wash and concentrate the sperm and inject it into the uterus during ovulation to become fertilized.
Medications
Medications such as clomid pills can stimulate your ovaries to promote more egg production. Injectable gonadotropins contain hormones that stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs and can help to treat low sperm count in men. Fertility medications encourage the ovaries to release more eggs than normal. The man also can benefit from sperm quality and higher sperm count using fertility drugs such as clomiphene. The drug blocks the production of estrogen. Reduced estrogen levels can increase luteinizing hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones, and testosterone.
Timed Sexual Intercourse
Your provider will advise on the most appropriate time to have sexual intercourse to increase your chances of conceiving. They can use ovulation kits, check your cycle, or take your temperature to predict ovulation. A couple with healthy sperm and egg can become pregnant through sexual intercourse when the woman is ovulating.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can increase your chances of conceiving. Lifestyle changes can include keeping a healthy weight, limiting caffeine consumption, reducing stress, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising daily, and avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, and smoking.
Get Help for Unexplained Infertility
Get help from a fertility specialist team who uses unique tests to evaluate potential causes of unexplained infertility. Find a specialist who uses the latest technology to increase your chances of conceiving. They should have vast experience handling couples or individuals with similar problems to achieve the best outcome.