What Options Are Available for Unexplained Infertility?
In cases of unexplained infertility, all the test reports indicate that there is no physical cause for infertility. While such a diagnosis often comes as a shock, seeking the help of an experienced fertility doctor can allow you to come up with a treatment plan. Here are the options available for couples dealing with unexplained infertility:
Lifestyle Changes
For women, maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) is significant, as being underweight or having extremely low body fat may be associated with ovarian dysfunction and unexplained infertility. Factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption may be linked to lower fertility rates, so cessation is advisable.
Dietary changes to incorporate more fertility-friendly foods can also be beneficial. Practices like yoga and other mind-body exercises can help manage stress, which can impact fertility. Before exploring medical interventions, couples may deliberate on lifestyle modifications as an initial step toward managing unexplained infertility.
Fertility Drugs
Fertility drug medications can stimulate the ovaries to release more eggs, increasing the chances of conception. Clomiphene citrate, or Clomid, is one such drug often prescribed as a first-line treatment. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain, leading to increased production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn stimulate egg production. Gonadotropins, another fertility drug, can directly stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Some clinicians may also prescribe letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, to induce ovulation. These medications should be under the supervision of a fertility specialist.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be an effective, non-invasive, and cost-efficient option compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF). IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a procedure that involves directly inserting sperm into a woman’s uterus while she’s ovulating. This method can boost the likelihood of a sperm making its way to the fallopian tubes and successfully fertilizing an egg. IUI may be used alongside fertility medications like Clomiphene or Gonadotropins to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs, improving conception chances. The procedure can be useful for couples dealing with ovulation issues or minimal male factor infertility.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are grown for a certain period before one or more are transferred into the woman’s uterus. IVF may have higher success rates compared to other treatments, such as IUI or fertility medications alone. It can allow for preimplantation genetic testing, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Surrogacy
The surrogacy process involves a surrogate mother who carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple. There are two types of surrogacy, which are traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is used, making her the biological mother. Gestational surrogacy involves the use of the egg and sperm from the intended parents or donors. In this case, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby. The surrogacy journey may involve legal contracts to define the rights and responsibilities of all parties.
Adoption
Adoption involves legally taking on the parental rights and responsibilities of a child not biologically related to you. There are different types of adoption available, such as domestic, international, and foster care adoption. The process can be lengthy and requires careful consideration. It may involve home studies, background checks, and adoption training classes. While it doesn’t provide a biological connection, adoption offers the joy of parenting and the opportunity to provide a loving home to a child in need.
Seek Solutions for Unexplained Infertility
Speaking to a fertility specialist is necessary when exploring options for unexplained infertility. They can provide a thorough examination and potentially identify overlooked issues contributing to infertility. They can also recommend viable treatment options tailored to individual needs, such as intrauterine injections or lifestyle changes. Fertility specialists can help manage expectations and provide guidance on the likelihood of success with different treatments.