Unexplained infertility is a condition where doctors diagnose a couple but do not find a reason that can explain their inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. Unexplained infertility affects 10-12% couples or 1 in every 5 couples around the world.
What is unexplained infertility?
When fertility tests show no obvious reasons for a couple’s infertility, it is termed as unexplained infertility. Also, when both partners pass all the fertility tests but are still unable to conceive after 12 months (6 months for couples over 35 years of age)of unprotected sex, it falls under Unexplained infertility.
Some of the fertility tests are-
- Egg count
- Sperm count, motility, and shape
- Uterine abnormalities
- Hormone levels
- Ovulation
In Ayurveda, it is known as Vandhyatava or Agarbha, where tests show no anatomical or hormonal abnormality, but the couple still fails to get pregnant. It is mainly associated with Vata dosha imbalance, weak agni, stress, and anxiety.
Symptoms and causes of unexplained fertility
The most common symptom is that you are not able to conceive despite trying. The causes of infertility can be –
- Underlying conditions like celiac disease, diabetes, etc., can also cause infertility.
- Endometriosis can cause infertility.
- The timing of intercourse can also decrease the chances of conceiving.
- Egg and sperm quality (low) can cause infertility.
Sometimes there are no reasons at all, or they remain unknown, and the couple still faces infertility.
Treatment Options of Unexplained Infertility in Ayurveda
Treatment in Ayurveda encompasses Panchakarma therapies, herbal remedies, stress management, and dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Panchakarma therapies can help remove toxins that may block reproductive channels. It includes Virechana, which cleanses the liver and balances the pitta dosha; Basti, a type of enema that helps balance the Vata dosha and provides nourishment to the reproductive organs; and Uttar Basti, which improves uterine health and regulates menstrual cycles.
Herbal remedies- Herbal remedies help nourish reproductive organs and help in balancing hormones. It includes the use of Shatavari, which helps in maintaining female hormonal balance, uterine health, and ovulation; Ashwagandha, which is primarily used to support male sperm quality and reduce stress; Gokshura, which helps increase drive and strengthen the reproductive system; and Phala ghrita, which is medicated ghee that is used to improve uterine health and increase fertility.
Diet – A fresh, light, warm, home-cooked diet with milk, ghee, almonds, fruits, and vegetables intake is recommended.
Lifestyle changes- Regular yoga and exercise help improve reproductive as well as overall health and reduce stress. Regular 7-8 hours of sleep and avoiding smoking and drinking are also recommended.
Treatment of Unexplained fertility with modern medicine
Treatment through modern medicine includes various methods. These are rather different methods from the treatment of infertility. These include-
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART)- This technology does the partial process of fertilization in the lab and then transfers the zygote to the uterus. It includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-uterine insemination (IUI). In IUI, sperm concentrated in the lab are injected into the uterus at the time of ovulation. In IVF, sperm is injected into the egg and is fertilized in the lab, and then the embryo is transferred into the uterus.
- Medication- Medication that enhances egg production, sperm count, and quality is used to help infertile couples. Along with this lifestyle, diet changes are also recommended in modern medicine, just like in Ayurveda.
FAQs
How do you diagnose unexplained infertility?
To diagnose unexplained infertility, couples should go through sperm analysis, ovarian reserve testing, ovulation testing, and imaging of the reproductive organs. If the couple clears all these tests and is still not able to conceive, then the doctors term it as unexplained infertility.
How to improve unexplained infertility?
Unexplained infertility can be treated by IVF, IUI, medication, diet changes, stress reduction, and most importantly, matching the time of intercourse with ovulation time.
Can unexplained infertility go away?
For some couples, it may go away on its own, but it’s important to get treated for infertility issues that do not go away.
