What Is Unexplained Infertility and How Is It Identified?
Infertility stems from ovulation and anatomical problems, uterine disorders, immunity system issues, birth defects, and other causes. Unexplained infertility occurs when your doctor can’t identify a clear medical cause using standard diagnostic tests. Fertility specialists usually diagnose the condition after you and your partner undergo complete reproductive health evaluations. Here’s how unexplained or idiopathic infertility is identified:
Reproductive Health Evaluations
Infertility is diagnosed when you’re unable to conceive after several months of unprotected intercourse without contraceptives. Fertility specialists perform various tests to diagnose the underlying cause of infertility. If all tests yield normal results, then you have unexplained infertility. The evaluation includes ovulation testing, semen analysis, tubal potency testing, uterine evaluation, and hormonal assessment. A normal result means you have no structural or uterine abnormalities and ovulate regularly.
The specialist checks if your fallopian tubes are unobstructed and your ovarian reserve or egg count is good. Your partner’s semen is also analyzed for normal sperm count, amount, motility, and shape. Other evaluations check for hormone levels required for reproduction. If all these tests yield normal results, your doctor will explore lifestyle factors, such as unhealthy body weight and excessive stress. The fertility doctor may also recommend new diets, exercise, and intercourse timing to enhance your chances of getting pregnant.
Endometriosis Markers
Endometriosis is one of the causes of idiopathic infertility in women. The condition occurs when endometrial cells and tissues grow in abnormal areas, such as the pelvic cavity, around the ovaries, and in the fallopian tube. Normal endometrial tissues grow in the uterus every month during ovulation in preparation for fertilization and implantation. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the tissues are shed and passed out during menses. Abnormal endometrial cells grow outside the uterus and exhibit the same monthly shedding characteristics.
When the tissues grow elsewhere, they can cause blockages that impede fertilization and implantation. You may experience pain, inflammation, irregular cycles, heavy menses, and other symptoms. Some cases of endometriosis are asymptomatic but still make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant naturally. A BCL-6 test helps you assess the signs of endometriosis and uterine lining inflammation. If the test is positive, pursue other diagnostic tests and procedures, like laparoscopy, to remove the abnormal cells.
Progesterone Resistance
BCL-6 marker tests can be used to diagnose progesterone resistance, which occurs when cells have a reduced response to progesterone. The resistance may be coupled with an increased response to estrogen, resulting in implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss. Progesterone resistance causes abnormal changes in the endometrium, blocking the pregnancy hormone from carrying out its role in embryo survival.
The causes of progesterone resistance range from endometriosis to polycystic ovary syndrome and hormonal issues. Progesterone resistance can allow endometrial tissues to grow and survive outside the uterus. Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, causes abnormal menstrual cycles and anovulation, which can lead to reduced progesterone production. The resistance can lead to endometrial-related disorders, such as hyperplasia, adenomyosis, and implantation and IVF failure.
Endometritis and Infections
Chronic bacterial infections, such as endometritis, can lead to fertility issues that don’t show up in standard infertility assessments. The infections affect the uterine lining and require tests to check for specific markers. Endometritis can be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, pelvic procedures, or vaginal bacteria.
Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain and swelling, abnormal bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movement. Treating the infection usually resolves the infertility if no other underlying conditions are present. Proper treatment also reduces the long-term impact of the bacteria on egg or sperm quality and the immune system. Your fertility doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan involving antibiotics, lifestyle modification, and dietary changes.
Get Treatment for Unexplained Infertility Today
Infertility is treatable with medication, lifestyle changes, assisted reproductive technologies, and other options. You can speak to a fertility expert to identify the cause of your infertility and the next steps after diagnosis. Get tested today to find out more about unexplained infertility, its causes, and treatments.
