Unexplained infertility can be diagnosed when standard fertility tests come back normal, yet conception remains a challenge. A fertility expert can recommend additional tests and procedures, such as BCL6 testing and hormone suppression therapy. Here are four strategies that may increase your chances of getting pregnant following an unexplained infertility diagnosis:
1. BCL6 Testing
BCL6 testing is designed to detect potential causes of infertility that are related to inflammation, such as asymptomatic endometriosis. Fertility specialists can use this test to look for a protein marker called BCL6. This marker helps identify uterine lining inflammation when there are no apparent signs present, making it particularly useful for women with unexplained infertility caused by underlying endometriosis. A positive result for BCL6 does not rule out the possibility of pregnancy. By providing valuable insights into the potential underlying issues causing infertility, the BCL6 test can guide appropriate treatment strategies to enhance the chances of successful pregnancy.
2. Surgical Laparoscopy
Surgical laparoscopy is an outpatient procedure that allows fertility doctors to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, potentially revealing underlying causes of infertility. The procedure can diagnose conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis, which may go unnoticed without symptoms but can significantly impact fertility.
Laparoscopy can also include other steps to help treat specific fertility problems, enhancing the chances of possible pregnancy. These steps include removing scar tissue or attempting to unblock the fallopian tubes. Identifying and treating any reproductive system issues detected during laparoscopy can benefit women with unexplained infertility.
3. Fertility Medication
Fertility medications may be prescribed to stimulate the ovaries to release more eggs per month, enhancing the chances of conception. These medications can include clomiphene, letrozole, and gonadotropins. Clomiphene helps the eggs mature inside the ovaries by increasing hormone production. This helps encourage ovulation. Letroloze decreases estrogen produced in the body, which stimulates the release of eggs by the ovaries. Doctors can use gonadotropins to stimulate egg growth within the ovaries, resulting in ovulation. Each of these medications may be used to treat individuals experiencing unexplained infertility.
4. Assisted Reproductive Technology
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) involves the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos outside the body and includes various advanced procedures. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are commonly used by fertility specialists. IUI involves sperm being inserted directly into a woman’s uterus to aid in the fertilization process. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes, improving the chance of fertilization. This procedure can be less invasive than other forms of ART fertility treatments and may be recommended for couples struggling with unexplained fertility issues.
The IVF procedure involves collecting mature eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm outside of the body. The doctor then transfers the fertilized egg, or embryo, back into the woman’s uterus for possible implantation and pregnancy. IVF is a common treatment for various types of infertility and can be used with other treatments like fertility drugs.
Address Unexplained Infertility With Further Testing
Unexplained infertility may be addressed with specialized diagnostic testing and procedures like surgical laparoscopy. Consider working with a fertility specialist trained in diagnosing and treating various reproductive disorders that can cause unexplained infertility. They have extensive knowledge in the field of reproductive health and can use the latest technology and advanced testing methods, including BCL6 testing. This can help them uncover hidden factors like silent endometriosis that could be contributing to your fertility issues. Specialists can also devise personalized and effective treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances, ranging from fertility medication to assist with ovulation to procedures like IVF or IUI.