7 Signs of Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained infertility is the inability to become pregnant after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse without any identifiable cause. This situation may be stressful to people who, despite undergoing thorough fertility evaluation and treatments, are unable to conceive. The following signs and symptoms are frequently observed in individuals experiencing difficulty conceiving without any identifiable cause:
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1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Experiencing unusual variations in the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle may be a cause of unexplained infertility. A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, with most women having a cycle lasting around 28 days. Irregular menstrual cycles can include experiencing periods that are shorter or longer than average. Cycles with unpredictable lengths, or skipped periods. Such irregular periods make it difficult to determine the ovulation window.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Imbalances in the levels of hormones could interfere with both men’s and women’s reproductive health. In women, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone work together to control ovulation, menstruation, and fertility. Sperm production and quality in men can be affected by imbalances in the levels of hormones such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, among others.
Couples experiencing unexplained infertility ought to consult with a fertility expert to diagnose and address the causes of hormonal imbalances. Addressing hormonal imbalances may involve lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, regular exercise, dietary modifications, and medication.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women experiencing unexplained infertility and can be diagnosed through blood tests and an ultrasound. Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by the presence of excessive male hormones in women and cysts on the ovaries. It can cause excessive weight gain and irregular or absent menstrual cycles, leading to difficulty conceiving.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a medical condition where tissue that resembles the uterus lining develops outside the uterus. This excessive tissue may obstruct the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from being fertilized by sperm. The obstruction may hinder the transport of a fertilized egg into the uterus for implantation. Inflammation caused by endometriosis can create a hostile environment for egg quality, sperm function, and embryo implantation.
5. Fallopian Tube Damage
Damage to the fallopian tubes, which are responsible for transporting eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, can cause unexplained infertility. Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies, which occur when a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube, can cause blockages or scarring. Surgical procedures in the pelvic area meant to treat ectopic pregnancies or remove ovarian cysts may result in scarring or damage to the fallopian tubes.
6. Aging
As women advance in years, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus and develop into a healthy pregnancy. Younger women are more likely to successfully conceive. The older you get, the lower your chances become.
7. Male Factor Infertility
Semen analysis results in men may appear normal, but issues with sperm function or DNA integrity could go undetected. These issues can affect sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg and may lead to unexplained infertility in couples. More advanced assessments on sperm motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, and genetic factors may reveal underlying problems that could be contributing to the couple’s inability to conceive.
Explore Unexplained Infertility Solutions
These are just a few of the signs and symptoms that may be observed in individuals experiencing infertility. Assessments by a reputable reproductive health specialist may lead to treatment recommendations for both men and women. Seek medical fertility specialists to learn more about infertility treatment options.
