4 min read
“Why don’t you know the reason, even after extensive testing?” If you’ve experienced this frustration after investing time and resources at a fertility clinic, you may have received a diagnosis of Unexplained Infertility. You’re not alone; around 20-30% of couples facing fertility challenges fall into this category. Unfortunately, standard diagnostic tests can identify major infertility causes but often miss more subtle factors that could be affecting your ability to conceive.
Even without a clear diagnosis, there are still various options available to you. Let’s explore the common causes of infertility, including risk factors and medical issues that may be influencing your fertility journey.
Fertility Risk Factors
Smoking
If you smoke, consider quitting before trying to conceive. Not only does this enhance your overall health, but it may also improve your fertility. Smoking can damage the fallopian tubes and cervix, as well as negatively affect sperm health and movement. Additionally, some experts believe that smoking accelerates the aging of eggs and ovaries.
Body Weight
Your weight can significantly affect fertility. Being either overweight or underweight can disrupt ovulation, making conception more difficult. Maintaining a balanced diet and being mindful of alcohol consumption is crucial during this time. Research shows that even a modest change—losing or gaining just 5% of your body weight—can help regulate ovulation for those at an unhealthy weight.
Age
Age is a critical factor impacting fertility. After the age of 35, the quantity and quality of eggs typically decline, increasing the risk of miscarriage and complicating conception. Approximately one-third of individuals with ovaries over 30 face fertility challenges, despite being in their prime reproductive years in their 20s.
Now that you understand how lifestyle choices can impact fertility, let’s discuss medical conditions that could complicate your chances of conception.
To conceive, three key elements must align:
- You must ovulate.
- There must be access to healthy sperm and viable eggs.
- Your fallopian tubes need to be open for egg and sperm interaction, along with a healthy uterus for embryo development.
Common Medical Issues
Here are some prevalent medical conditions that should be considered if you’re struggling to conceive:
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that can lead to irregular ovulation or prevent it altogether, making it the most common cause of infertility among individuals with ovaries.
- Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, potentially causing blockages in the fallopian tubes and affecting egg quality. Symptoms can vary from severe pain to no symptoms at all.
- Premature Ovarian Failure refers to when the ovaries stop producing a sufficient number of quality eggs before the age of 40.
- Thyroid Issues can disrupt menstrual regularity, either through hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, both of which are manageable conditions.
- Cervical Mucus Issues can hinder conception, as the quality and amount of cervical mucus fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. If mucus remains thick and sticky, sperm may struggle to reach the egg.
- Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, often due to conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or previous surgeries.
- Uterine Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can affect fertility depending on their size and location within the uterus.
It’s important not to overlook male infertility, as this is often under-discussed. If your partner has not undergone testing, it may be necessary to explore potential sperm-related issues as part of the fertility evaluation process.
The essential takeaway is that you can find a path to building your family. The company is here to support you on this journey. Should you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out.
Wishing you the best of luck!
To Summarize:
Unexplained infertility affects many couples, but understanding the various factors can help you navigate your journey. MakeAmom is committed to providing support and resources to assist you along the way.