Anyone else think that 'unexplained infertility' is a load of b........?

[BlindKitty]

After 23 months of patiently ttc, all tests coming back clear (apart from dh's sperm morphology being slightly low which consultant said not to worry about).

I just don't buy the diagnosis of 'unexplained infertility'. Surely, it just means that the docs haven't found the real cause????

Hi Blind, what do you class as 'slightly low' morphology out of interest?

I think you're right.

With patients who are more difficult to diagnose, it is often cheaper and easier to chuck IVF/IUI at them and hope it works rather than finding the real reason.

I too would quite like to know why DH and I haven't conceived in over three years of trying, but we're "unexplained" too!

hester can I ask how old you are and whether you've been offered any IUI / IVF?

Have a butchers at this:

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/252824.php

I am 38 and am currently on the 2WW after my 1st round of IUI

God. I'd rather not have read that :(

good luck Hester

Cheers me dear :)

Hester Sorry, didn't meant to worry you! I'm meant to be having my first IUI in June. I really hope it works for you xx

Ivf is not a cheap option so no.. I don't think it's offered just cos docs can't be bothered to find a real cause. I think sometimes we just don't know why it's not happening.

We know more than we did 35 years ago when I was ttc and having treatment s and maybe there are still more causes that might be fixable to find.

"Unexplained infertility" is actually no diagnosis at all; all it means is that they have failed to find out what is wrong. Sometimes it is a "diagnosis" given to couples when they as a couple have not been adequately investigated. Some tests can get missed out (I have put up a list of missed tests before now); proper semen analyses (not just one test) can and should always be done.

In your particular case I'd be wanting a repeat set of tests done on the low morphology. And a second opinion; it is fair to say that some units are far better than others.

Attila can you remember where you put the list? DH will be getting another SA before the IUI in June so we'll see x

Hi BlindKitty,

The most common tests that tend to be omitted are:-

Adequate x-rays of the uterus which may show abnormalities not otherwise seen at laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy - telescope inspection of the inside of the uterus which may occasionally show abnormalities not seen otherwise

Repeated sperm counts over several weeks and months to make sure there is no subtle abnormality

Testing the sperm in special media such as swim up testsvelocity testing. However, when they are done, they often uncover a hidden cause for the suppposed unexplained problem

Thorough hormone tests to detect abnormalities of male hormone or early falls in progesterone

Scanning of the ovaries to see if follicles really are developing and there are no sign of polycystic ovaries.

Thanks Attilla! Are these all things I could get on the NHS?

I agree with Hest. It's more economical to send people straight to treatment than to properly diagnose once the common ishoos with egg production, tubes and swimmers have been ruled out. After that, there's a 101 things it could be and the suggested treatment is usually IVF (or sometimes IUI) anyway.

I really, really struggled with the idea of having expensive, invasive treatment for something that hadn't been diagnosed. But after more than 2 years ttc with no BPF, we got one on our very first round of IVF (although I unfortuantely miscarried). So that suggests that there was a problem that was overcome by the IVF process, but no one can tell us what that is.

I've posted about the DNA frag stuff on here several times before. I'm interested partly because psychologically, I feel like I need an explanation as to why this is not happening for us. I really think the DNA frag might be it. According to that research, it's statistically the most likely cause for us. We're thinking about having the test, but then the treatment is IVF (or ICSI if it's really bad) and we're going down that road anyway.

I have unexplained too and its so frustrating to be told your 'normal' when nothing is happening. Five years down the line and one failed ivf behind us we are about to start the second round but I'm certain there must be more tests they can do. I have a really high immune system and I'm lucky that I'm rarely ill, just wondering if my body is killing something off each time. Its definately something I'm gonna mention to the clinc.
Can they not do anymore tests on your dh?? Sounds like they should be investigating a bit more rather than dismiss it

There is so much that isn't known about fertility. Male infertility is particularly poorly understood. Unexplained means that they haven't found out what's wrong rather than there being nothing wrong. Clearly something is wrong of it isn't happening. Ivf does work in many cases of unexplained and sometimes this is actually less expensive and less invasive than some of the tests that could be performed. Time is also a factor. Even if an answer is found, the solution will still be ivf in many cases so I can understand why ivf is pushed rather than more investigations. But, I see why having an answer and a reason why is very important.

Of course the science may not be there yet