When couples struggling to conceive get an infertility diagnosis, the next step is to determine the cause of their fertility issue. In some instances, fertility specialists cannot pinpoint the exact cause of infertility and diagnose a couple with unexplained infertility. Here is how to diagnose unexplained infertility and possible treatments:
Unexplained Infertility Diagnosis
Fertility specialists diagnose unexplained infertility on an elimination basis. Before coming to a conclusion regarding an infertility diagnosis, doctors must do a total fertility evaluation on both the male and female partners. This evaluation rules out all possible causes of infertility.
An unexplained infertility diagnosis is conclusive if the complete fertility evaluation shows that:
- There are no abnormalities in your uterus
- Your male partner has a sufficient sperm count
- Your partner’s semen analysis indicates normal sperm shape and movement
- You have sufficient ovarian reserves
- You ovulate regularly
- None of your fallopian tubes are blocked
- Your and your partner’s brain produces enough levels of the hormones required for reproduction
Specialists may also do a laparoscopy to rule out endometriosis if you experience severe period pain.
Possible Explanations for Unexplained Infertility
Infertility in men and women can be idiopathic. Idiopathic infertility in men is where a man’s semen analysis is not normal, but doctors cannot determine the cause. In women, idiopathic infertility is when a woman does not ovulate regularly, but the reason for abnormal ovulation is unclear. Possible reasons for infertility include the following:
Poorly Timed Intercourse
Having regular intercourse during a woman’s fertility window is necessary for conception. If the frequency or timing of intercourse with your partner does not match up with your ovulation, it may take longer for you to become pregnant.
Hostile Vaginal Environment
After ejaculation, the sperm must move into the cervical mucus, up the vagina, into the cervical opening, and into the uterus to meet the egg. If your cervical mucus is too thick, it may hinder the movement of sperm up the vagina.
Other times, you may have hostile cervical mucus. This is cervical mucus with antibodies that attack the sperm. There is not an effective way to diagnose whether a woman has hostile cervical mucus, making it difficult to determine whether infertility is caused by this issue.
Undiagnosed Underlying Health Condition
Sometimes non-reproductive health conditions cause fertility challenges. Untreated celiac disease and thyroid issues may affect fertility. Being underweight may also contribute to infertility. Your healthcare provider may be unable to make the connection between an underlying condition and your infertility diagnosis, which is why it can be helpful to seek second or even third opinions.
Mild Endometriosis
Severe endometriosis is easy to diagnose, and its symptoms are identifiable without a laparoscopy. Your doctor can easily identify an endometrial cyst blocking your fallopian tubes. Mild endometriosis may not have obvious symptoms like cysts or severe period pain. But it can go unnoticed for a long time and might be the reason behind unexplained infertility.
Poor Egg or Sperm Quality
There are tests to determine sperm and egg count. Doctors can test whether you ovulate regularly, but determining egg quality is more difficult to test for. In men, semen analysis reveals poor sperm quality traits like low motility and abnormal shape. But sperm quality issues such as poor quality DNA in sperms are not identifiable through sperm analysis. Egg and sperm quality issues are prevalent as one gets older.
Find a Diagnosis for Unexplained Infertility
If you and your partner are having difficulty becoming pregnant, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Finding a solution for unexplained infertility can be difficult, but it is still possible. Consult a fertility expert and get recommendations on the best treatment options for you and your partner.
