A couple’s fertility may be affected by genetic factors, egg and sperm quality, lifestyle choices, and underlying medical conditions. This can cause pregnancy loss and other infertility issues. Here are four tips for couples navigating unexplained infertility:
1. Visit a Fertility Specialist
A couple experiencing unexplained infertilitycan visit a fertility specialist. During the consultation, specialists usually review a couple’s health history and may conduct health assessments. This allows the specialist to identify lifestyle factors that possibly impact fertility, such as smoking or imbalanced diets.
Fertility specialists may recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes or increased exercise, to help balance hormone levels and improve sperm health. They may also review available fertility treatments, including Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). These procedures handle eggs and sperm, often outside of the womb, to help with conception and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Patients can also discuss surgical treatments, such as laparoscopy, with their fertility specialist.
2. Explore IVF Treatment
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of ART fertility treatment. During a round of IVF treatment, the patient’s ovaries undergo stimulation to encourage egg production. After the eggs are retrieved from the body, they are fertilized by sperm in a lab setting. Healthy embryos are then placed in the patient’s uterus. This process may require multiple rounds of IVF treatment. Most patients require at least two rounds of embryo transfers before a resulting pregnancy. Untreated conditions, such as endometriosis, may impact the success of IVF treatment. Patients can discuss their candidacy for in vitro fertilization with their fertility specialist.
3. Get Tested for Endometriosis
Being tested for medical conditions that negatively impact fertility allows couples to receive appropriate treatments or narrow down possible infertility causes. Endometriosis, progesterone resistance, and endometritis are all conditions that can result in infertility. They can also be factors in IVF failure. Here is more information about these conditions:
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, accompanied by inflammation in the uterine lining. This impacts the development of fertilized eggs and makes it more difficult for eggs to receive nutrients. Signs of endometriosis include pain during menstrual cycles, back or abdominal pain, and infertility.
- Progesterone resistance: Progesterone is a hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and thickens the uterine lining after ovulation. Progesterone resistance results in an insufficient uterine lining, increasing the difficulty of embryo implantation.
- Endometritis: Endometritis is a bacterial infection of the uterine lining that causes inflammation. It may also interfere with ovulation, impacting fertility.
A ReceptivaDx test can test for all three conditions by checking for BCL6 and CD138 markers. BCL6 markers indicate inflammation of the uterine lining. A positive BCL6 acts as a sign of endometriosis and progesterone resistance. The presence of the CD138 marker indicates endometritis. A ReceptivaDx test is taken during a natural or mock menstrual cycle and uses a single sample.
4. Learn About Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy helps patients with endometriosis and other fertility issues. Types of hormone therapy include:
- Oral contraceptives
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists
- Follicule-stimulating hormones
Hormone treatments address the symptoms of endometriosis by minimizing uterine inflammation and slowing the progression of the condition. They may be used alongside IVF treatments to increase the chances of conception. Progesterone therapy is also available during stages of early pregnancy to help the patient maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Learn About ReceptivaDx and Unexplained Infertility
An OB-GYN can perform a ReceptivaDxtest during a standard visit. The approximate turnaround time for results is five to six business days. We offer free phone consultations to provide more information about the testing process. If you are experiencing unexplained infertility, contact us today to learn more about the ReceptivaDx test.