How Sims IVF Can Guide You Through the Challenges of Unexplained Infertility

Trying to conceive is a deeply personal and sometimes challenging journey. While some causes of infertility can be identified and treated, others remain unexplained, leaving couples feeling frustrated and uncertain about their next steps. Unexplained infertility is when standard fertility testing hasn’t determined a reason for being unable to get pregnant. Although this can be a challenging time, at Sims IVF we offer support and provide modern advancements in fertility treatments to offer a path forward.

At Sims IVF in Dublin and Cork, we provide comprehensive fertility assessments, personalised treatment plans and advanced options such as IVF, ICSI and PGT , all with dedicated support to help you navigate and overcome unexplained infertility. In this post, we explore how we can guide you through the challenges of unexplained infertility and help you take the next steps toward growing your family.

The Challenge of Unexplained Infertility

Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when a couple has been trying to conceive for at least a year (or six months for women over 35) without success, despite normal results in all standard fertility tests. It accounts for approximately 10-30% of infertility cases. In these cases, tests typically confirm that ovulation occurs regularly, sperm quality and count are within a healthy range, fallopian tubes are open and functional, and the uterus is capable of sustaining a pregnancy.

How Sims IVF Can Help

Our clinics can provide advanced treatments and resources to help couples navigate and hopefully overcome unexplained infertility. Our doctors work closely with our patients, from consultation through to comprehensive fertility treatment, to identify possible solutions and increase the chances of conception. Below are some key steps involved in the journey when choosing to partner with a fertility clinic.

1. Initial Consultation

The first step in addressing unexplained infertility is scheduling an appointment with one of our highly skilled doctors. During an initial consultation, the consultant will take a deep dive into the couple or individual’s medical history, lifestyle factors and previous test results if any, to build a clearer picture of their fertility health. This appointment is more than just an assessment - it’s a chance to voice concerns, ask important questions and explore the best next steps

2. Comprehensive Fertility Testing

Even with normal results from initial fertility tests, we may recommend additional testing to explore potential underlying issues. These might include:

• Hormonal assessments - Checking hormone levels to evaluate ovarian reserve and to confirm ovulation.
• Advanced sperm Analysis - A more detailed evaluation of sperm motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation.
• Hysterosalpingogram - Imaging tests to assess the shape of the uterus and the openness of the fallopian tubes.
• Endometrial receptivity tests - Assessing the uterine lining’s readiness for implantation.

3. Treatment Options For Unexplained Infertility 

For couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility, choosing to work with Sims IVF means having access to a range of treatment, senior consultants and global expertise to improve the chances of conception. Depending on individual circumstances, the following options may be recommended:

• Ovulation Induction and Timed Intercourse

Mild fertility medications like Clomid or Letrozole are sometimes prescribed to stimulate ovulation. This is paired with careful monitoring to ensure intercourse is timed during the most fertile window, increasing the chances of conception as a result. 

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is often a common first-line treatment involving placing concentrated sperm directly into the uterus during the ovulation phase. This enables the sperm to bypass potential barriers in the reproductive tract and improves the likelihood of fertilisation. IUI is particularly effective for couples with mild male factor infertility or cervical mucus issues, offering a less complex alternative to IVF.

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

IVF has become an increasingly popular and effective treatment for unexplained infertility, offering hope to many couples struggling to conceive. As one of the most advanced fertility treatments available, IVF involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving and fertilising them in a state-of-the-art laboratory and transferring the healthiest embryo back into the uterus. At Sims IVF, we utilise cutting-edge techniques and personalised protocols to optimise success rates, providing patients with the best possible chance of achieving a successful pregnancy.

• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

For couples where sperm issues may be a factor, ICSI can be recommended. This technique involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg to increase the chances of successful fertilisation. By directly addressing sperm-related challenges, ICSI significantly improves fertilisation rates, even in cases of severe male infertility.

• Advanced Laboratory Techniques

When experiencing recurrent implantation failure, additional testing is also available to help to refine treatment approaches. Sims IVF offers:

• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Assesses embryo quality before implantation to improve success rates.
• Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA): Determines the optimal time for embryo transfer, enhancing the chances of implantation.

Each couple’s fertility journey is unique and at Sims IVF, our personalised treatment plans and advanced fertility solutions help couples navigate the challenges of unexplained infertility with confidence and hope.

Making the Decision to Seek Help

For many, the uncertainty of unexplained infertility can be challenging to process. However, seeking support from a reputable fertility clinic can provide much-needed clarity and proactive solutions. If you’ve been struggling to conceive without a clear medical explanation, consider booking a consultation with us at Sims IVF. 

Our dedicated team offers personalised care and advanced fertility treatments to help you on your journey to parenthood. With thorough testing, tailored treatment plans, and compassionate support, our specialists guide couples through the challenges of infertility with confidence and hope. For more information on fertility treatments and to book a consultation, visit Sims IVF.