Infertility becomes unexplained when conventional testing fails to identify a clear cause for a couple’s inability to conceive. This is a temporary label used in the absence of obvious answers from initial evaluations. Here are a few myths surrounding unexplained infertility:

Idiopathic Infertility Is a Final Diagnosis

Some people believe that the cause of infertility may never be found and that the diagnosis is permanent. “Unexplained” just means that the standard infertility tests were inconclusive. Lacking an explanation does not mean that no cause exists. The true cause may be something subtle that standard tests miss. In many cases, there is an underlying medical issue, which can be identified with further testing.

Undiagnosed endometriosis, which lacks painful symptoms, may be the cause of infertility and failed implantation. This is a possible conclusion if further tests indicate the presence of inflammation. By identifying the underlying inflammation, physicians can recommend targeted treatments. If physicians fail to find a possible cause of infertility, further testing is required for a successful pregnancy.

Stress Management Can Lead to Conception

This myth suggests that stress and anxiety are the main obstacles preventing conception. This implies that the infertility is psychosomatic rather than a genuine physical condition. The advice dismisses the physical and biological challenges that couples face, emphasizing that the cure is simply a change in mindset. Infertility is an emotional experience, and the stress that couples face is a natural response to the medical condition. This problem may result from physiological issues like hormonal imbalances or anatomical anomalies. Unexplained infertility is a physical problem that necessitates medical intervention. This warrants diagnostic testing to find other underlying issues and evidence-based treatment options.

Infertility Is Primarily a Woman’s Problem

The idea that infertility is primarily a woman’s problem is a misconception. This leads to an imbalanced focus during initial diagnostic efforts, placing the entire burden of reproductive issues on the female partner. This is driven by assumptions about the role of a woman in carrying a pregnancy.

Based on this assumption, the initial workup may focus on female testing for ovulation, egg quality, and tubal patency. This potentially sidelines the male partner’s evaluation. Men and women have a shared responsibility and balanced medical reality regarding fertility. Some issues that cause infertility are associated with men, women, or both. Studies actually show that the causes of infertility involve women 33%, men 33%, and both or unexplained factors 33% of the time.

Both partners should be evaluated from the outset, including a semen analysis of the male partner. This helps ascertain that no male factor issue is missed. Physicians offer a holistic approach to testing by framing infertility as a couple’s diagnosis. Assessing all potential causes within the relationship provides an effective diagnostic process for couples facing fertility challenges.

In Vitro Fertilization Is a Guaranteed Solution

This misconception treats IVF as an infallible procedure. Couples are led to believe that proceeding with IVF results in a successful pregnancy, regardless of other undiagnosed physical issues. The myth overlooks the fact that IVF is a treatment strategy, not a diagnostic tool. It facilitates fertilization in a lab setting, but implantation can fail if the uterine environment is compromised.

Many couples undergo repeated IVF cycles that result in implantation failures. This indicates that an undiagnosed underlying issue is interfering with the process even when high-quality embryos are transferred. For successful conception, the uterus must be receptive to the embryo. Healthcare experts perform investigations before recommending solutions. By identifying the underlying causes of infertility, the success rates may improve.

Couples With Children Are Immune to Infertility Issues

The core of this myth is the belief that once a couple has a child, their fertility status cannot change in the future. This leads to confusion when a couple that conceived their first child faces difficulty with a second or third pregnancy. Fertility is dynamic and can change over time due to the following:

• Time and age factors
• Acquired conditions
• The need for re-evaluation

Egg and sperm quality change with age. New medical conditions may develop after the first pregnancy and cause infertility issues. People experiencing secondary infertility need to be evaluated to find the root cause, and once the issue is identified, it is able to be treated.

Couples Should Try for at Least One Year Before Getting Tested

The general belief is that couples can only be diagnosed with infertility after trying to conceive for at least one year. This myth may lead some couples to not seek medical expertise even when certain conditions can make successful conception more challenging. Couples with risk factors that affect their ability to conceive should meet with fertility specialists once they plan to start trying. Some of these risk factors include:

• Age
• History of irregular periods
• Previous miscarriages
• Endometriosis
• Surgery involving the genitals

Fertility specialists can run tests early to give couples answers about their fertility and set up any necessary treatment plans.

Learn More About Unexplained Infertility

While lifestyle changes help support a healthy pregnancy, these changes alone cannot resolve infertility. This necessitates specific medical testing and intervention to find the underlying problem. Visit a reputable healthcare expert to learn more about its offerings.