Ankara Current Approach in the Treatment of Unexplained Infertility
It is divided into primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility is defined as primary infertility if no previous pregnancy has occurred; secondary infertility is defined as secondary infertility if at least one pregnancy has occurred (even if it has resulted in miscarriage), whether or not it has resulted in a live birth.
Although infertility is a condition that is encountered in twenty-five percent of married couples, the risk increases with age. In addition, factors such as stressful life, smoking, unhealthy diet, and unhealthy nutrition increase the risk of infertility due to today's living conditions.
Infertility is a health problem related to the reproductive system. It may occur due to one or more reasons. Sometimes infertility can occur for no reason at all.
Although the causes of infertility are factors related to the woman and/or the man, in some cases pregnancy may not occur even though there is no condition that may prevent pregnancy. This is called unexplained infertility and accounts for 15% of cases.
For this reason, in order to achieve healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, it is very important to identify the underlying problem of infertility. A well-identified problem enables the selection of the most appropriate treatment for couples, which is one of the most important factors that ensure success in infertility treatment. For this reason, the infertile couple should be evaluated in detail before proceeding with treatment.
What Tests Should Be Performed in the Approach to a Couple Diagnosed with Infertility?
For 12 months, infertility can be diagnosed in couples who have regular sexual intercourse without using any form of contraception but are unable to achieve pregnancy. In order to investigate the cause of this diagnosis, some tests should be performed on the man and woman.
To investigate the cause of infertility in women, the levels of FSH, LH, estrogen and AMH hormones are checked in the blood between the 2nd and 5th day of menstruation.
Another test that can be performed in women is vaginal USG to determine the egg reserve and examine egg development.
In some cases, a medicated uterine X-ray (HSG), which is performed by injecting a radio opaque substance into the uterus through the vagina to examine the condition of the woman's fallopian tubes, can also be performed.
In men, the history of diseases in childhood, adolescence and adulthood is taken first. This is because some of these illnesses can affect the testicles and impair sperm production.
A spermiogram test, also known as semen analysis, is performed to determine the quality, motility (speed), morphology (shape), number and density (concentration) of sperm. A sperm antibody test may be ordered if deemed necessary. This is a test that can clarify the cause of unexplained infertility.
It is possible for the immune system of the man or woman to produce antibodies when it encounters sperm. In such a case, the sperm may collapse when it meets the antibody and lose its ability to fertilize. If this is the case, various corticosteroid treatments can be used to suppress antibody production.
What ARE OUR ADVICE TO COUPLES WHO WILL RECEIVE INFERTILITY TREATMENT?
First of all, it should be remembered that you and your doctor have a common goal in infertility treatment. Both parties will work to achieve a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Therefore, the more willing and patient you are, the more successful the treatment will be.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do on this path is to reorganize and improve your habits, diet, etc. At this point, your doctor may recommend that you seek support from a dietitian or life coach.
A couple who will undergo infertility treatment should quit smoking, which decreases the quality of eggs and affects the uterus in women and decreases the quality of sperm in men, at least 2 months before the treatment and should avoid even passive smoking. Because the success rate of treatment is directly proportional to egg and sperm quality.
It should not be forgotten that this period will be stressful for the couple. Therefore, try to get away from all kinds of stressful things in your life and find activities that will relax you. Even seek help from a psychologist if necessary. Try to replenish your body's deficiencies before treatment. Eat a varied diet. If necessary, supplement your diet with multivitamin tablets. Take plenty of walks and get plenty of sunlight. Think of the pre-treatment period as a detox and avoid substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine. Drink plenty of water. If your body mass index is not within normal limits, consult a dietician to bring it to normal values. Because it is a scientifically proven fact that obesity and being overweight have effects on infertility. If you are practicing heavy sports, it is useful to reduce them during this period because scientific studies have shown that the probability of pregnancy is lower in those who practice heavy sports than those who practice light sports.
Always keep your thoughts positive and imagine yourself going home with your baby in your arms. Remember that the more you want something, the more likely you are to get it.
Be in cooperation with your doctor during this process and do not forget to take his/her suggestions into consideration. We wish you to be the winner at the end of the process...