Many women facing unexplained infertility are not sure what to do next. At Cicero Diagnostics, we offer a test called ReceptivaDx which may provide the much needed answers. We understand the hesitancy one may feel about seeing an IVF specialist or continuing IVF after failing one or more times. Here are some considerations.
Getting Help Earlier Rather Than Later
The processes of unexplained infertility can feel confusing and isolating. Many women face fertility issues and may not reach out for professional help right away. The sooner one visits a doctor for unexplained infertility, the better. This is because the sooner the problem is found, the faster patients can get the treatment needed.
If you have been struggling with fertility for over a year, reach out to an IVF specialist. If you are already using a center but have failed IVF, consider asking for the ReceptivaDx test. Your physician may be able to help narrow down the reason for unexplained infertility. One of these reasons may be endometriosis.
Endometriosis and Unexplained Infertility
One of the problems that may lead to unexplained infertility could be endometriosis. Endometriosis is an issue where a tissue that usually grows inside of the uterus grows outside. This can be found in the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and the intestines. Endometriosis may cause pain and menstrual irregularities. These irregularities may be the cause of unexplained infertility.
If patients are experiencing any of the normal symptoms of endometriosis, patients may want to consider getting tested. Other reasons to get tested for endometriosis are continued pregnancy loss, several failed IVF treatments, or general trouble getting pregnant.
Endometriosis may not always cause severe, noticeable symptoms; because of this, patients may not know they have it. The ReceptivaDx test will help uncover asymptomatic cases and often the underlying reason for a patient’s unexplained infertility.
Testing With ReceptivaDx
ReceptivaDx is a test that can assist in determining whether or not patients have endometriosis. It does this by detecting inflammation of the uterine lining. This inflammation may be caused by the presence of a protein called BCL6.
When a patient has elevated levels of BCL6, it can be an indication of endometriosis. The inflammation caused by endometriosis may make it more difficult for an embryo to stick to the endometrial lining when attempting to conceive.
Once a patient has tested positive for high levels of BCL6, they can move forward with the process of treating the underlying cause.
What Does Testing Look Like?
Testing with RecpetivaDx is done with a reproductive specialist or OB-GYN. One can have this test administered during a routine visit. A patient’s physician will take an endometrial biopsy sample. After the sample is collected, it is placed in a preservative and then shipped to our lab facility. At our facility, it is processed and tested to get a full pathology report. This pathology report is then sent to your reproductive specialist or OB-GYN. Results generally come in within five to six business days. If you test with a high amount of BCL6, there are two different treatment options.
Surgery
One of the options to treat endometriosis is a surgery called laparoscopy. During this treatment, a surgeon finds and removes the extra tissue while the patient is under general anesthesia.
Hormone Therapy
This treatment option is less invasive that surgery, Hormone therapy suppress the hormones that cause endometriosis to grow until the endometriosis recedes in the uterus. Once the inflammation decreases, patients can try conceiving naturally or through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Patients should speak with their physicians to make sure they are getting treated in the most efficient way possible. Hormone therapy is typically recommended for 60 days
ReceptivaDx for Unexplained Infertility
We want to help everyone who is facing a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Our testing can get patients back on track with their fertility journey. When a patient starts with our testing, the results may eliminate the possibility of having to go through several unsuccessful IVF cycles.The timing of when patients choose to visit their doctor and get the test done is dependent on the individual patient’s clinical condition. However, if a patient has trouble conceiving, before going through IVF, consider learning more about the ReceptivaDx test so you are fully prepared to discuss this option with your doctor. This can streamline the process before spending money on unnecessary IVF. To find out more about ReceptivaDx and get advice on when to meet with a reproductive specialist, contact us today.