What Is Unexplained Infertility?

For many couples who have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more without any success, a common next step is to seek the help of a fertility specialist. Although going through infertility diagnostics and testing can be stressful, people are generally eager to know what the issue is so that a solution can be found. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no apparent medical reason why a couple is unable to get pregnant. This is known as unexplained infertility.

Unexplained infertility is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion, which means all the diagnostic tests have ruled out the most common fertility problems, such as low ovarian reserve, ovulation issues, poor-quality eggs or sperm, or low sperm count. This can be one of the most frustrating diagnoses to receive, especially considering how stressful undergoing fertility testing is in the first place.

It’s not uncommon for couples to feel discouraged and upset after receiving an unexplained infertility diagnosis. However, even though it may seem like there’s no solution in sight, there are still options for what you can do next.

First, confirm with your doctor that no stone has been left unturned, and make sure you and your partner have received every possible diagnostic test. At the same time, you can also talk to your primary care physician about possible underlying medical issues that can be having an impact on your fertility.

Your next step should be to get a second opinion from a different fertility specialist. Sometimes, a fresh perspective on your particular case can reveal things that were initially missed or overlooked. Plus, a second opinion will sometimes lead to an alternative diagnosis or treatment option that hadn’t been considered before.

You should also try to remember that just because you haven’t conceived yet doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t. While popular media makes it seem like getting pregnant is the easiest thing in the world, it’s actually a quite complicated process. For even the most fertile of couples, the odds are only between 15% and 25%.

Fertility Treatment Options

While unexplained infertility can be frustrating and upsetting, it’s important to realize that there are still many fertility treatment options available to help you conceive. Some of these options include:

If you have received a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, don’t give up hope. Not all is lost. To learn more about fertility care in the Virginia, Washington, D.C., or Maryland areas, contact Washington Fertility Center today.