Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse between partners for a sufficient period of no less than one year.
There is more than one type of infertility. In this article, we discuss unexplained infertility, its causes, symptoms, while Bedaya Hospital answers the main question of the article: How to Get Pregnant with Unexplained Infertility?
What Is Unexplained Infertility?
Unexplained infertility is a common problem, affecting approximately 1 in 6 couples at some point in their lives. When the cause of infertility is difficult to identify, it is unexplained infertility.
Unexplained Infertility Definition: A medical condition in which pregnancy does not occur despite a year of regular sexual intercourse, even though the male partner's sperm and the female partner's eggs, ovulation, fallopian tubes, and uterus are normal.
Unexplained Infertility Causes
Determining a specific cause for unexplained infertility is difficult, especially since in some cases, there is no known cause.
If a cause for unexplained infertility is found, doctors and healthcare providers often cannot measure or examine it. However, there are some indicators that may indicate unexplained infertility.
What Causes Unexplained Infertility?
Undergoing a hysteroscopy or starting IVF may help identify Unexplained Infertility Causes, including:
- Endometriosis
- Declining egg quality
- Weak sperm
- Advancing female age
- Chronic stress
- Stress and psychological pressure
- Exposure to pollutants
- Endocrine disorders
- Heavy metal pollution, including arsenic
It is important to carefully consider the psychological factors of both the husband and wife in cases of unexplained infertility. Psychological and emotional trauma—such as miscarriage or loss of a fetus—can create a psychological barrier that prevents pregnancy.
Unexplained Infertility Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of unexplained infertility is the failure to conceive, and below that, the husband or wife may not experience any other symptoms.
How to Get Pregnant with Unexplained Infertility?
Getting pregnant with unexplained infertility is not out of reach, especially with the availability of many effective fertility treatments that have proven impressive successes.
Undergoing treatment for unexplained infertility requires facilities with extensive clinical experience and advanced technology, which is why Bedaya Hospital has been and remains the ideal choice for achieving pregnancy in cases of unexplained infertility.
If you suffer from unexplained infertility:
- you can consider choosing the optimal time to have intercourse as a primary method for pregnancy
- while being careful to follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle
- avoid smoking, maintain an ideal weight
- and monitor your body mass index by exercising regularly.
Treatment of Unexplained Infertility
When there is no explanation for infertility, one of two methods can be used to treat unexplained infertility:
- Controlled Ovarian Stimulation
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs)
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation
Controlled ovarian stimulation may increase a woman's chances of pregnancy, but sometimes this treatment method leads to multiple pregnancies.
The doctor prescribes a fertility medicine (clomiphene) for the woman to take to stimulate a number of eggs. The woman also takes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for up to three menstrual cycles. The semen is placed directly into the uterus within two days after hCG treatment.
If the previous medication is preferred, there is another method for controlled ovarian stimulation that involves giving the woman human gonadotropins (preparations containing hormones that stimulate ovarian follicles to mature), followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to stimulate ovulation, followed by artificial insemination.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs)
Because multiple pregnancies are considered a critical pregnancy and pose a risk to the mother and fetuses, doctors avoid ovarian stimulation in many cases of unexplained infertility. As a result of that, many doctors immediately turn to the most effective treatment for unexplained infertility: in vitro fertilization (IVF).
IVF for Unexplained Infertility
IVF is an excellent treatment for unexplained infertility, especially if other, less expensive and less successful treatments have failed.
IVF involves retrieving eggs and sperm, fertilizing them outside the body, and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus.
The good news for you, madam, is that scientific studies have proven that treatment using IVF increases the chances of pregnancy.
IVF success rate for unexplained infertility
The pregnancy rate and success rate of IVF on the first try ranges between approximately 25-30%. In cases where the doctor prescribes certain medications to stimulate ovulation, this rate increases to 35-45%.
Natural Pregnancy After Unexplained Infertility
Many couples wonder about the possibility of natural pregnancy after unexplained infertility. It is possible to conceive naturally after unexplained infertility, especially if the woman is under 35 years old and responds well to treatment.
In general, people diagnosed with unexplained infertility should continue trying to conceive naturally for at least one year (if she is older than 30).
How can we differentiate between unexplained infertility and secondary infertility?
Unexplained infertility is diagnosed in couples who have never conceived, while secondary infertility is diagnosed in couples who have conceived but are currently unable to conceive, provided they have been trying for a full year.
Can unexplained infertility be treated at home?
Some people resort to home remedies to treat infertility, whether by taking herbs or medications, without consulting a doctor. We absolutely do not recommend this approach, as duration is an important factor in the effectiveness of treatment. The longer the infertility persists, the less likely a couple is to successfully conceive on their own.
Some studies have indicated that the cumulative pregnancy rate for couples with unexplained infertility who have attempted to conceive naturally without seeking help from infertility counselors for more than three years is 28%. This rate decreases by 10% for every year a woman ages 31.
Finally, if you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, or you are concerned about this issue, Bedaya Hospital has provided you with this guide on everything you should know about unexplained infertility.
