Unexplained Infertility

For now, unexplained infertility is our official diagnosis. Not so helpful. How do you treat something that is unexplained? The bright side is there apparently aren’t any major defects. The downside is we have no idea what needs fixed. Clearly something isn’t working. You don’t get through 20 failed cycles without there being something wrong.  I don’t think it is just bad luck at this point.

We started the diagnostic regimen with my OB/GYN in November 2010. She first conducted a hysterospalpingogram  (HSG) – bonus points if you can pronounce it. This is also referred to as a dye test.  Not the most pleasant experience I’ve ever had. An HSG is when contrast iodine is injected into the uterus while being observed with a continuous x-ray. The point is to see if the fallopian tubes are open and the uterus is normal.  HOLY HELL that dye hurt. The whole experience was uncomfortable, but the dye part was downright painful. The information I read beforehand described it as “period-like cramps.” Bullshit! I’ve never had cramps like that. Anyway, I survived and even went back to work. Results: textbook – all clear!

She also did a 7dpo (days past ovulation) blood test to check my thyroid and progesterone levels. Both were normal and the quantity of progesterone indicated that I had, in fact, ovulated. Finally, Chris had to have a sperm analysis. If I can do the dye test, it’s only fair that he have to do this. His results: normal count, motility, and morphology.

We had more diagnostic tests done when we switched to the reproductive endocrinologist in May 2011. She took more of my blood to check for a number of different hormones. One very important hormone is AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) which indicates the remaining ovarian reserve. My results were exactly in the middle of the normal range. She did an ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts and endometriosis. All clear as well. Finally, another sperm analysis for Chris. We paid a little extra to have a strict morphology test, which is a harder one to “pass”. He passed.

The only thing I haven’t had done is a laparoscopy, aka exploratory surgery. They go in with a camera through your belly button to have a look around. This is actually the only way to officially rule out endometriosis. Given that there weren’t any indications of this, we decided it wasn’t worth the time, discomfort, and money. 

IVF may finally give us some answers when an embryologist can observe my eggs, the fertilization process, and blastocyst growth under a microscope. Until then, we are officially unexplained.