Treatment of unexplained infertility in men and women
Before searching for infertility treatments, one must fully understand what unexplained infertility means. According to the definition of unexplained infertility, it happens when the standard tests for infertility are inconclusive and unable to identify a cause for one’s inability to conceive. After a fertility specialist conducts an all-around series of tests and is unable to identify a cause, the patient’s diagnosis is deemed unexplained. Unexplained infertility may also be called idiopathic infertility. However, this term is used when unexplained infertility is narrowed down to a male factor or female factor.
Testing for infertility
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, doctors cannot conclude a diagnosis of unexplained infertility until the patient(s) receive a thorough evaluation and standard fertility tests. These tests include:
- A thorough physical exam
- Complete medical history and complete sexual history
- Assessment of the woman’s ovulation
- An evaluation of the woman’s ovarian reserve
- Analysis of the man’s semen
- An evaluation of the woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes (typically by x-ray) called a hysterosalpingogram
- Further tests include a laparoscopic procedure to view the reproductive organs. While minimally invasive, your doctor performs this procedure to view and confirm suspicions of endometriosis, adhesions or scar tissue, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
Treatment of unexplained infertility in men and women
Although every experience with unexplained infertility is unique, and without a known cause is difficult to treat. Some common treatments are frequently successful. They include the following:
- Timed sexual intercourse:
Your fertility specialist apprises a couple on how to time intercourse with the woman’s ovulation for the best opportunity for conception. This is a usually successful treatment for young couples.
- Clomid or Injections with intrauterine insemination (IUI):
The IUI ensues when the fertility specialist collects, washes and concentrates the sperm and then places it directly into the woman’s uterus at ovulation. Using the ovulation stimulating medication, Clomid or FSH injections with IUI increases the opportunity for pregnancy.
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF):
This is the most effective treatment for unexplained infertility. The laboratory creates the embryos from a couple’s egg and sperm and can test the embryos for viability and chromosomal abnormalities before implanting your embryo(s).
Assisted reproductive technologies and reproductive medicine in general constantly strive to improve your odds of overcoming infertility. Your fertility specialist understands just how frustrating a diagnosis of unexplained infertility is, and will partner with their patients to help them grow the families they have dreamed of. Contact a health advocate today and together we’ll work to overcome your infertility.
