Unexplained infertility is a term we hear a lot in the reproductive world. Basically, it is the term used when there is no found cause for infertility. Usually, a couple has gone through all of the testing available and everything comes back clear. This is good news, but can be so frustrating if you have not gotten pregnant yet. In the case of unexplained infertility, it can be hard to figure out what to do next. A diagnosis of unexplained infertility is given to about 25% of couples with infertility.

Unexplained Infertility: The Basics

Sometimes it could be as simple as a nutritional deficiency, low cervical mucous, inaccurate timing of sexual intercourse, a pre-existing health issue, or it may be that you need to explore options for more in-depth testing. It is important to cover all the basics, including additional testing that may need to take place. We are going to cover key areas that need to be addressed, some areas may or may not apply to you, but some may have not been taken into consideration when you were given your diagnosis.

Approximately a quarter of all consultations we do involve couples who are given a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, yet they also have other health related conditions, may have poor dietary and lifestyle habits and many even have fertility issues that directly impact reproductive health. If you have been diagnosed with a fertility issue such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, Fallopian Tube Blockage, Hormonal Imbalances, etc., those issues may be what are causing your infertility struggles. It is very important to address those issues individually, prior to trying to conceive.

Hormonal Balance

If the hormones are not balanced or the menstrual cycle is off, pregnancy can not occur. If pregnancy does occur, the risk of miscarriage increases. This is important for the male partner as well. Men can have hormonal imbalance as well, which may contribute to difficulties in impregnating a woman due to poor sperm health, or other health related issues.

Women
Menstrual cycle irregularities may be a sign of hormonal imbalance, or other more serious fertility issues. If any of the below hormones are not at the correct levels, the menstrual cycle may become irregular. Hormonal imbalance may cause a variety of other health related issues that may affect quality of life. For example thinning hair, heart palpitations, low libido, depression, ect.

Progesterone
Estrogen
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Androgens for example DHEA, Testosterone
Thyroid hormones
Prolactin

Men
The number one hormonal imbalance in men is with testosterone and estrogen. Other health related problems may contribute to hormonal imbalance in men. Poor diet and lifestyle choices are the most common reasons for hormonal imbalance and low sperm count and health. Common signs of hormonal imbalance in men are low libido, abnormal hair growth, and erectile dysfunction.

The most common hormonal imbalance in men:

Testosterone
DHEA
Prolactin
Estrogen

Cervical Mucous

Low cervical mucous is one of the simplest yet most important factors to becoming pregnant. If the cervical mucous is scanty, non existent or too acidic, then the sperm will not be able to make there way to the cervix.

Causes of Low Cervical Mucous

Not enough water intake each day
Poor circulation to the reproductive organs; sedentary lifestyle
Hormonal imbalance may cause changes to the entire menstrual cycle, which may inhibit production of fertile cervical mucous. Both low progesterone and estrogen levels may cause low cervical mucous production.
Fertility medications containing hormones can alter fertile cervical mucous production
Cervical fibroid (very rare)
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and cryosurgery damage for cervical dysplasia or HPV. These procedures can in some cases cause cervical scar tissue damage which may close off the ducts that secrete the cervical mucous. This is very rare.

There are natural remedies that help the body to produce more, sperm friendly cervical mucous as well as sperm friendly lubricants. Contact us for more details.

Other Health Related Factors and Problems that Affect Both Women and Men Fertility

Other health related problems may cause hormonal imbalance, poor egg health, low ovarian reserve, or poor/abnormal immune response which may affect conception. Many times, doctors may overlook these other health issues or not link them to a couples fertility troubles. If you have any of the below health issues, it is important to first address those problems, because problems with any of the below may directly impact your ability to conceive.

Thyroid issues
Poor Adrenal Health
Very low body weight
Obesity
Diabetes
Autoimmune disease
Cancer (chemotherapy and radiation may cause Premature Ovarian Failure or low sperm count and health)
Injury or trauma to reproductive organs, or one of the endocrine glands
Smoking
Alcoholism
Drug Addiction
Hypertension
Long-term use of medications
Heavy exposure to radiation or other environmental pollution

Stress

You may not know it, but your bodies are equipped to prevent conception from occurring during times of extreme stress. The presence of adrenaline, the hormone that is released by your bodies during stressful times, signals to the body that conditions are not ideal for conception. Adrenalin inhibits us from utilizing the hormone progesterone, which is essential for fertility. It also causes the pituitary gland to release higher levels of prolactin, which also causes - See more at: http://www.planbwellness.com/unexplained-infertility-causes-solution/#sthash.h6G1yCI9.dpuf