Unexplained infertility

[Zara84]

Hi,

I have had a number of blood work, hycosy, scans, all to show that there are no issues and ovulation is happening ( detected via opks and also a scan showing ovulation has occurred on 2 occasions)

My husband has now had 2 sperm analysis tests and both have returned normal, the previous one with even better results than last as he has been taking proxeed.

My question is - is there anything obvious I have not done yet?

I have also taken up cupping therapy to help me relax, and have started a healthier lifestyle and more excercise... on the flip side 3 of my friends ( 2 of which are obese and have pcos ) are on their 2nd pregnancies.

I have my follow up appt with my consultant next week but wanted to check if anyone else has been in a similar position and were there any other tests you did or any changes you made?

I may add the only possible issue is my thyroid levels are slightly out at 3.6 tsh rather than the desired 2.5. But is that truly enough to cause infertility? I know colleagues who have worse thyroid results and have had children.... losing the will to carry on here - any insight will be appreciated.

Thanks

[Everythingcrossed2021]

Hey @Zara84 I know it’s been a while since you posted but I was interested to hear how your ttc journey has been since this time. I’ve been trying for a year now and on levothyroxine to bring my TSH down from 6 and wondering if that’s the main reason for our infertility so far. Had all bloods and hycosy and no other issues found.

[FingersXssd83]

I was unexplained until my third IVF egg retrieval today. Turns out I have endometriosis.

They say that IVF often reveals why unexplained ppl struggle and I guess that's what's happened to me.

Pretty gutted tbh, as I believe endo results in a reduced IVF success rate. But, at least they know how to treat me properly rather than having me on a protocol that can make it worse.

[Minibow]

We are.unexplained secondary.

Husband doesn't want to do any treatment but I can't give it up.

Seems like IVF would be the only way forward 😢

[Praiseyou]

My unexplained infertility only came to light when I had ivf. My eggs fertilise abnormally. Out of 15 eggs collected,only 1 fertilised normally. Thankfully, we had a baby from that one embryo.

Next time, we'll do ICSI and hopefully get a better fertilisation rate.

I love ivf and I am so thankful I live at a time that this amazing science is available. I had tried everything from acupuncture to weird diets to iui but my problem would never have been discovered without ivf.

[New2Parenting]

I'm in a similar situation. My husband and I have been trying for 3 years. When I went for a pre-pregnancy check up, I had high tsh.
3.5 years on still no pregnancy and we are just about to start ivf

[Deeny83]

Hi all, i too have unexplained infertility, been ttc for over 3 years, one failed iui, one cancelled iui, and now going through my first round of ivf, if it doesn't work im hoping to atleast get some answers

[Teddybear45]

Honestly a lot of cases of unexplained infertility become explained only after you start IVF.

[Hoping1]

Well just been to appointment they said it not working with help and it not working without said to test obulation for 3 months if dont obvulate we go in sooner for ivf if obvulate we go in after 6 months has anyone eles had this happen to them i hate all this waiting it been 2 years now xxx

[2fingers22018]

@ronswansontache ud think that would affect the sperms motility very confusing the things you learn eh?

[ronswansonstache]

Hi OP has your DH has the DNA fragmentation/ Sperm Comet test? It is moderately expensive (we paid £500) but they recommended it if unexplained infertility was an issue. I had a fear of commencing IVF with undiagnosed issues in case we'd go through all that and fail anyway.

Our test came back with high DNA fragmentation, which was obviously causing an issue & has uncovered an issue that we're addressing with a urologist to improve our chance of success. DP's regular sperm analysis (we had three) all came back within normal parameters, so it was helpful to get more information from the spermcomet test.

Good luck with your next steps.

[2fingers22018]

@Alice sorry whats AMH exactly?

[Zara84]

Hi Alice I would totally agree.. I know it can be financially tough.. I started last year by doing a few blood tests then every other month or so did another test etc. I was refused even thyroxine by my gp and got it straight away with private same with the clomid now... in my experience private is wayyyyyy better when it comes to these tests

[AliceAbsolum]

Unexplained just means the medics haven't found anything. I was "unexplained" for 3.5 years under the NHS before being told 2 weeks before ivf should start that my AMH is 1 and the chance of collecting more than a couple of eggs with ivf is slim. So now we will probably have to pay for a donor cycle.
My advice? Go private ASAP if you can. Fertility is a time game and the NHS makes you lose.

[Hoping1]

Hi ladies i dont know where i belong anymore so thought i would try here. My tests came back as i didnt ovulate my partners came back as abnormal. We were put on clomind but i was too senstive to it so took off stright away. We have both got told we all clear on our results now . But still nothing we in on 4th of april it doing our heads in waiting for it and dont know what is next has anyone eles happened like this xx

[Luciep83]

Thanks for the update Zara84,

I wish you all the best over the next couple of months 😊

I'm off to a private fertililty clinic tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes xxx

[Kelly199]

Good luck @Zara84 I hope it will work out for you xx

[Zara84]

I feel like I want to take a break to be honest.. I want to try to feel “normal” feel like my life has been constant tests, looking at dates etc for 2 years...I have signed up to spin and yoga classes starting next week to help relax... let’s see nothing to lose and I just think where I’ve waited so long 2 months more of a potential loss I can bear... it’s so draining isn’t it?

I will keep you posted if anything happens ...as the fairy god mother in Cinderella said “ even miracles take a little time” :)

[AnyaMumsnet]

Hi there everyone,

We know this is a sensitive topic, but we'd just like to remind you that any posts that break our talk guidelines will be deleted. Please try and support and advise each other without breaking talk guidelines.

[SheeshazAZ09]

Change your diet to 100% wholefood organic. This is being tried successfully by some fertility clinics/docs in the US with massive success. Problem here is that a lot of pesticides are endocrine disruptors at very low levels so you have to try to avoid them.

[2fingers22018]

@zoezipp just report her if she keeps harassing you hun thanks for the support x

[zoezipp]

How do you feel about it Zara? Taking some time out to destress sounds good but I appreciate it may not be for everyone when ttc for a while. Really hope it happens for you

[Zara84]

Oh sorry I didn’t think the previous message posted - ignore me!

[Zara84]

Hi ladies - I just spoke with my consultant to discuss where we go from here.

She said she wouldn’t advise IVF just yet and would rather I choose between taking a small break 2-3 months and try to de stress, eat well, relax etc. Take vitamins. ( she specifically mentioned proxeed plus for men and women)

The other option is to start clomid - I know a few people who took this and it messed with their moods so am wary... she has prescribed it though and I have committed to starting taking it in June ... I am away in May and don’t want it to affect my moods.

Hope your all doing okay x

[2fingers22018]

@Zara84 thats great that you something to try before the ivf gd luck hun x @zoezipp thanks some people seem to think they know more than the doctors lol im just ignoring her comments now taking the high road lol x