Attain Fertility Centers and The American Fertility Association continue educational video series
How do you treat, let alone explain, the unexplainable? Jason Giffith, M.D. of the Houston Fertility Institute unravels the complexities of Unexplained Infertility in a short video and fact sheet produced by The American Fertility Association, with funding from Attain Fertility® Centers, an IntegraMed Specialty and provider of the Attain® IVF Programs.
According to The AFA, 12% – 25% of all infertility related cases are considered to be unexplained or idiopathic infertility and there is still much that is not known about the causes. There may be subtle, biochemical or immune factors that don’t show up through current testing protocols that stop conception. There may also be multiple simultaneous issues that individually would not stop a woman from conceiving but when coupled together, lessen the chances of achieving successful pregnancy. As hard as it is to receive a diagnosis of unexplained infertility and as baffling and frustrating as it may be, Dr. Griffith assures viewers that unexplained does not mean untreatable.
“The first course of treatment will most likely be geared towards boosting ovulation with medication and will probably be combined with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), based on individual considerations such as maternal age.” Dr. Griffith explains. The goal is to get the sperm closer to the egg in an attempt to have fertilization take place. As infertility treatment has continued to evolve over the past decade, outcomes have continually improved and patients are encouraged to hope for a healthy pregnancy.
With the knowledge that a diagnosis as vague sounding as Unexplained Infertility can lead to confusion, frustration and even anger it is important to create a support system and to find ways to reduce stress. From joining a support group or working with a professional counselor to working with an acupuncturist and taking a yoga class, it’s important to find ways to get support and reduce stress. And as with all fertility issues, seeking the care and guidance of a fertility specialist early is always at the top of the recommendation list.
The entire AFA video series is available on Attain Fertility’s YouTube channel.
