Unexplained or idiopathic infertility occurs when all tests are normal and there is no discernible reason for the inability to conceive. When you’ve been trying to conceive without success, you need to know when to seek help for unexplained infertility. Here are a few things to know about unexplained infertility:
Understanding the Natural Conception Timeline
In an average cycle, ovulation can occur on day 14 for a woman with a 28-day cycle. This can vary for different women depending on their health, and it’s best to track your cycle and ovulation period to determine your fertile days. Once the egg is released, it can survive for about 12–24 hours, awaiting fertilization by a sperm. Sperm can survive for 5–6 days inside a woman’s reproductive tract, waiting for the egg. For natural conception, timing intercourse during a woman’s fertile period maximizes the chances of pregnancy.
Medically, you get an infertility diagnosis after you’ve had regular unprotected sexual intercourse for 12 months without conception. If you’re 35 or older, speaking with your healthcare provider after six months of trying to conceive is recommended. This is because fertility declines after age 30, and it can help identify any possible issues early. Seeking professional advice early can help you understand your fertility health and available options.
Diagnostic Process for Unexplained Infertility
The first step in diagnosing unexplained infertility is a comprehensive fertility specialist evaluation. This may include a thorough medical history for both partners, blood tests, and a semen analysis for the male partner. An ultrasound can be used to evaluate the female partner’s reproductive organs. A hysterosalpingogram may be used to check whether the fallopian tubes are blocked. You may be diagnosed with unexplained infertility if all tests have normal results.
Navigating Treatment and Fertility Interventions
If you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, several options need to be considered. Depending on your situation, your fertility specialist can consider using intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). While these procedures can greatly increase the chances of conception, they can also be expensive and emotionally taxing.
Fertility specialists understand the stress and strain trying to conceive can have on you. They are there to help guide you through unexplained infertility and provide the necessary support and care. They’re experts in their fields and can recommend diagnostic tests, treatment options, or fertility interventions.
Factors Affecting Conception
Several factors can affect natural conception, such as age, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle choices. For unexplained infertility, doctors may not be able to identify any obvious issues from fertility screening tests. It could be best to re-evaluate your lifestyle choices and health habits to optimize your fertility potential. Factors that can affect your fertility include stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, inadequate nutrition, and being overweight or obese. Further diagnostic testing may be needed to identify underlying health issues that impact fertility.
Balancing Hope and Realism
Infertility may affect your emotional well-being, especially when you’ve been trying for a prolonged period without success. Feeling a sense of loss, grief, frustration, and helplessness is normal. Acknowledging those feelings and seeking support from your partner, family, friends, or a therapist may help.
Effectively Overcoming Unexplained Infertility
Modern medicine offers various advanced fertility treatments to help you and your partner conceive and start a family. When dealing with infertility, prioritize self-care and know that infertility is a journey that may have ups and downs.
Fertility specialists can conduct a thorough fertility evaluation, including blood tests, semen analysis, imaging tests, and more. They can then recommend various treatment options based on your situation. Remain hopeful throughout the process as you trust your fertility specialist to guide you through the process.