Without doubt, the most frustrated men and women we meet all highlight unexplained infertility as probably the worst diagnosis. “At least if someone said that my count or motility was poor, I would know what I need to try and improve.”
This is just part of an email conversation that I am having with a gentleman at Pillar Healthcare. It is almost like limbo for a lot of couples. It now appears, that 1 in 3 diagnoses receive the Unexplained diagnosis.
At least one doctor is now stepping forward to say how unacceptable those numbers are. The diagnosis of unexplained infertility is not an indication that there is some mysterious underlying cause which cannot be discovered; it is an indication that we just haven’t got to the bottom of the situation. According to Dr. Norbert Gleicher of the Centre for Human Reproduction USA, it is time to get a second opinion. In his practice, Dr. Gleicher claims to have virtually no cases of unexplained infertility taking up his patient files. He maintains there is always an answer. Finding that answer, sometimes simply involves delving deeper than the standard fertility evaluation would go.
According to Dr. Gleicher, there are generally 3 main overlooked explanations for unexplained infertility:
- Premature Ovarian Aging: Also known as diminished ovarian reserve, this condition is marked by follicle stimulating hormones or anti-mullerian hormone levels being lower than they should be in consideration of the patient’s age. For anyone suffering with low AMH
- Tubal Disease or Endometriosis: According to Dr. Gleicher, not all hysterosalpingograms (a test for determining tubal efficiency) are conducted or read correctly
- Immune Issues:Autoimmune conditions can occasionally result in a woman’s body rejecting pregnancies at an early point, meaning she may experience chemical pregnancies while still going on to have her period on time.
I would never say that our clinicians are not doing all that they can for their patients. In fact, the clinicians that we have been fortunate to meet, all have the same will to help people.
As we noticed in our own clinical study into pre-Conceive, an antioxidant parameter known as Glutathione Peroxidase was pretty low in the majority of the men. Glutathione Peroxidase, made up of amino acids, have a protective and supportive role for sperm and egg cells. If Glutathione is low or depleted, then the cells do not get the protection they need – they will get damaged. Zinc deficiency not to mention any other nutrient deficiency, scar tissue, high alcohol consumption, excess caffeine, low grade inflammation high stress levels, over/ under weight can be the reason or part of the reason why someone hasn’t conceived or is diagnosed as unexplained. Our fertility tests can only tell you so much. It is a snapshot of the current situation and there are plenty of options to try and move the goalposts, some of which we have discussed before.
I obviously wish I had the panacea for the unexplained infertility diagnoses and everyone has to make up their own mind on the best way to proceed for themselves. I certainly recommend making the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes, no matter how hard they might seem. Improving your dietary intake, reducing stress, balancing weight and so on will have a supportive and corrective impact on the body. Exercise can also be crucial here as well.
What I would suggest following an unexplained infertility diagnoses?
The first thing that I would recommend, is expanding the clinical tests. Have we examined DNA health in men. If the DNA in a sperm cell is damaged, possibly due to low Glutathione levels, that cell cannot fertilise an egg. This test is not part of a standard fertility test in men. I would see what other tests are available and start to explore these options. Liver enzyme tests, nutritional testing, hair mineral analysis, DNA fragmentation and so on. A recent study suggested that undiagnosed coeliac disease can also be a reason for unexplained infertility issues. There are a host of other bodily systems that can and do have an impact into your fertility. If the first tests don’t highlight anything, then dig deeper.
While exploring the options presented in front of you, I would then make dietary and lifestyle changes. Increased nutrition, increased water, more exercise, better fat weight ratio, reducing stress etc will all have a significant impact on your overall fertility.
If we can identify the cause of an unexplained infertility diagnoses with more exhaustive tests, then that is a start. We will then know what we are dealing with and can put a firm plan of action in place to improve that aspect. Improvements in your general diet and lifestyle will all make a difference and where necessary supplementation and other supports should be considered.
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