Dealing with infertility can be emotionally taxing for couples who want to start a family. While some infertility cases have identifiable causes, others remain elusive even after standard fertility tests. This type of infertility is called unexplained (idiopathic) infertility. Here is more information about unexplained infertility and three possible causes for the condition:
Understanding Unexplained Infertility
About 15% of infertility cases among couples don’t have identifiable causes. Fertility specialists conclude that a couple has idiopathic infertility after conducting a complete fertility evaluation. This problem is identified after regular unprotected sexual intercourse lasting over 12 months with no successful pregnancy.
Fertility specialists recommend assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help couples have a baby. Although IVF is a viable solution, infertility may still prevent successful results. With more advanced tests, like the ReceptivaDx test, physicians may identify the underlying cause of idiopathic infertility. This allows specialists to determine the appropriate treatment for the underlying cause of infertility.
Possible Causes of Idiopathic Infertility
Fertility test results may reveal that a patient has good quality and quantity of eggs. Such a patient might be ovulating at regular intervals, but they may still be unable to get pregnant. Here are some of the possible causes if one’s infertility problem has no identifiable cause:
1. Silent Endometriosis
Some cases of endometriosis are asymptomatic. That means patients have this condition but experience fewer or no immediate symptoms. This condition is called silent endometriosis and could be the cause of unexplained infertility in some patients. Silent endometriosis is often difficult to diagnose. Without symptoms, the condition goes unnoticed for several years and usually manifests when patients try to get pregnant.
If patients have difficulties conceiving, they may require ARTs like IVF. For some patients, by the time they notice they can’t conceive, the use of ARTs may no longer be effective. If conception occurs, silent endometriosis might lead to a miscarriage due to inflammation of a patient’s uterine lining. This issue makes it difficult for the fertilized egg to implant. In cases of successful implantation, inflammation causes the egg to detach itself over time, leading to a miscarriage.
Endometriosis is a progressive condition, and if it is left untreated, it might damage surrounding organs. These organs include the ovaries, fallopian tubess and bladder. With the help of the ReceptivaDx test, it’s possible to identify silent endometriosis. After providing a diagnosis, fertility specialists help patients manage this condition using hormone therapy or laparoscopy.
2. Progesterone Resistance
Some couples experience idiopathic infertility due to a condition called progesterone resistance. This condition affects the uterine lining (endometrium), preventing it from responding to progesterone. Under normal conditions, progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation. This hormone relaxes the uterine lining and normalizes blood sugar. After implantation, progesterone supports the embryo’s survival in early pregnancy.
If a patient’s uterine lining doesn’t respond to progesterone, they may be experiencing partial or complete progesterone resistance. Partial progesterone resistance results in incomplete endometrium maturation. This condition can cause idiopathic infertility or recurring pregnancy loss. Complete progesterone resistance causes the endometrium to grow constantly, inhibiting implantation.
3. Endometritis
Idiopathic infertility may be caused by endometritis, which is identified by inflammation or irritation of the uterine lining. Unlike endometriosis, endometritis results from a bacterial infection of the endometrium. If this condition is chronic, a patient may have challenges getting pregnant because a healthy embryo is unable to implant on an irritated or inflamed uterine lining. Fertilty specialists identify endometritis by collecting and testing a tissue sample from the uterine lining. Patients may regain fertility after receiving a diagnosis and addressing the condition with antibacterial treatments.
Treating Idiopathic Infertility in Couples
Being diagnosed with unexplained infertility doesn’t mean an individual can’t get pregnant in the future. Couples who undergo fertility testing are more likely to identify and treat underlying causes for recurring pregnancy loss. Fertility specialists recommend treatment options like hormone therapy, IVF, and laparoscopy to help patients sustain healthy pregnancies. Contact a trusted fertility specialist today to learn more about their idiopathic infertility treatments.
