Sometimes, there is no discernible medical reason why a couple or individual is unable to conceive. This is known as unexplained infertility, which essentially serves as a catchall diagnosis for infertility issues that cannot be traced to any apparent hormonal or reproductive malfunction.
As results from a seemingly endless stream of medical tests come back without any clarification of the problem, a diagnosis of unexplained infertility can often leave fertility-challenged couples and individuals in a state of hopelessness. Being unable to conceive is stressful on its own, but finding out that there is no straightforward answer as to why can be devastating to hear.
However, even if it seems like all is lost, an unexplained infertility diagnosis doesn’t necessarily signify the end of your family-building dreams – there are still hope and treatment options available.
Explaining the Unexplainable: What Comes Next
After being diagnosed with unexplained infertility, your first step should be to make sure all the bases have been covered. Confirm with your doctor that you and your partner have undergone every possible diagnostic test that is applicable to your situation.
You should also consider getting a second opinion from another fertility specialist. Second opinions allow patients to get a fresh set of eyes focused on their particular situation. Not only can input from an additional fertility specialist make it more likely for a problem to be recognized, but an additional specialist may also have alternative treatment ideas.
During this process, it’s also important to address your emotional state. Being stagnated by an unknown issue can provoke feelings of grief, hopelessness, and depression. It’s important to practice self-care during this time and, if necessary, seek out the help of a mental health professional or an infertility support group.
Treatment Options
Although the diagnosis of unexplained infertility can be frustrating and disheartening, it’s important to remember that there are still plenty of treatment options available to you, including:
- Clomid
- Intra-uterine insemination
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
- Using an egg donor
- Gestational Surrogacy
Moving Forward
It is worth noting that nothing may actually be physically wrong. Simply put, conception isn’t the simplest of processes. As such, the most important thing to do when faced with an unexplained infertility diagnosis is to remember that conceiving a child is rarely a straightforward path.
Have you been struggling to conceive despite a concerted effort? If you are concerned about infertility, contact us and make an appointment with Fertility Solutions today.