Finding the cause of unexplained infertility in a patient allows for the creation of a personalized treatment plan. The ReceptivaDx test helps identify possible causes of infertility, including endometriosis. Here’s some information about the journey to diagnosis in unexplained infertility:
Identifying Possible Causes of Unexplained Infertility
Different factors can impact fertility in a patient, including ovulation and sperm count. If there is an adequate sperm count and regular ovulation, learning more about uterine health sometimes helps with identifying possible causes of unexplained infertility. This is because uterine health impacts embryo implantation.
Endometrial conditions include endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, and other organs. The implants, or tissue growths, break down during menstruation, but they are not able to leave the body, causing buildups. Depending on the area of the tissue growth, symptoms of endometriosis include abdominal pain, heavy periods, and back pain. Infertility is another symptom of endometriosis, and it can be caused by:
- Scar tissue: Scarring has the potential to block the fallopian tubes.
- Adhesions: Fibrous tissue connects organs and pelvic tissues, interfering with menstruation.
- Inflammation: Uterine inflammation creates an environment that is not conducive to embryo health.
Conditions such as progesterone resistance also impact a patient’s fertility. Progesterone refers to a hormone that changes the uterine lining after the patient experiences ovulation. With progesterone resistance, the lining does not respond to the hormone, making it more difficult for it to host a healthy embryo.
Meeting With a Fertility Doctor
Couples experiencing infertility can meet with a fertility doctor. These specialists are able to conduct a detailed assessment and review the patient’s health history and current lifestyle. Health evaluations may include questions about:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Drug use
- Smoking
The specialist is able to recommend lifestyle changes to promote fertility. This includes quitting smoking, discontinuing certain drug use, and eating a balanced diet. Other potential lifestyle adjustments include engaging in gentle exercise and taking supplements.
Undergoing Testing
Reproductive specialists and OB-GYNS may review or conduct different tests to determine what’s causing a patient’s infertility. Testing helps identify and eliminate possible causes of infertility, guiding educated decisions. Options include hormone evaluations, pelvic examinations, genetic screenings, and MRIs. Biopsy testing is also available.
Silent endometriosis can be asymptomatic, making it harder to diagnose. The ReceptivaDx test identifies the presence of the BCL6 marker, a protein that marks uterine inflammation, to determine the likelihood of endometriosis and progesterone resistance. During the test, a uterine lining sample is taken. The lab receives the sample and tests it for BCL6. A positive result indicates a higher level of BCL6 and a 90% or higher chance of endometriosis. Negative results demonstrate a lack of inflammation and a less than 7% chance of endometriosis.
Biopsy testing is also available for endometritis. This is a bacterial infection that impacts the uterine lining and can cause issues with ovulation. By testing for the CD138 marker, ReceptivaDx helps determine whether the patient is experiencing endometritis.
Exploring Fertility Treatment Options
Patients can discuss fertility treatment options with a specialist. One option is a laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that offers an official endometriosis diagnosis. During the procedure, surgeons identify and remove tissue growth. A positive or negative BCL6 test result can make it easier for the specialist and patient to make an educated decision about a laparoscopy.
For some individuals, hormone treatments help with the symptoms of endometriosis. Options include oral contraceptives, follicle-stimulating hormones, and gonadotropin agonists. Hormone suppression treatments work to reduce inflammation, and they help create a healthier environment for embryo development.
Hormone treatments can be combined with artificial reproductive treatments (ART) to increase the chances of success. With in vitro fertilization (IVF), the patient’s eggs are retrieved, fertilized, and then placed into the uterus. A specialist is trained to discuss IVF treatments with patients to determine whether they are potential candidates. Patients may require at least two transfers before a pregnancy occurs.
Schedule a ReceptivaDx Test
Diagnostic tools allow women to learn more about the underlying causes of infertility and work with a specialist to take appropriate steps. A doctor is able to complete an endometriosis test during an OB-GYN office visit, and results are available within five to six business days. To learn more about the ReceptivaDx test, schedule a phone consultation today.
