What To Do After an Infertility Diagnosis

After an individual is diagnosed with infertility, they should speak to a healthcare provider about possible treatments and solutions. Some cases of infertility have known causes and are treatable using fertility drugs, surgeries, and other medical procedures. Other cases of infertility don’t have a clear underlying cause and are diagnosed as unexplained infertility. Here are some things to do after an infertility diagnosis:

Treat the Causes of Infertility

Being diagnosed with infertility means an individual has been unable to get pregnant after 12 months of having unprotected sex without contraceptives. If the individual is over 35, infertility is diagnosed after six months of trying to conceive. Some couples have no problem getting pregnant but are unable to bring the child to term due to recurrent miscarriages. Infertility and recurrent pregnancy losses have various causes, including hormonal imbalances, ovulation issues, severe medical conditions, STIs, and surgery complications. If someone has been diagnosed with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, the first step is to address the identified causes.

During diagnosis, a fertility doctor conducts tests to find out what’s causing infertility. The doctor then creates a treatment plan to address the identified causes and potentially reverse the infertility. If the underlying issue is irregular ovulation caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, the doctor may prescribe fertility medication like follicle-stimulating hormone injections. Fertility medications also help in treating hormonal imbalances in males. Doctors treat STIs, uterine conditions, thyroid issues, and other ailments that impact reproductive health. Uterine issues like fibroids and blockages caused by endometriosis often require surgery to remove the unwanted tissues.

Get a BCL6 Test

If an individual is diagnosed with unexplained infertility, it means the tests didn’t reveal any underlying problems. Doctors reach this determination after various tests, including hysteroscopy, HSG, and blood work. Hysteroscopy reveals severe uterine fertility issues, while HSG examines the fallopian tubes. Blood work and antral follicle counts help to evaluate the ovarian reserve. Doctors also check if a woman has regular ovulation and review the male partner’s sperm count, shape, and movement. If no issue is identified, they may recommend a BCL6 test.

BCL6 is a protein encoded by the BCL6 gene, which is an oncogene that impacts inflammation, cell development, and tumor development. When the BCL6 gene pairs with the SIRT1 enzyme, the two bind to pregnancy-related genes and cause progesterone resistance. High levels of BCL6 are also linked to endometriosis, which is one of the leading causes of unexplainable infertility. A positive BCL6 test is a strong marker for endometriosis. If additional tests reveal the presence of endometriosis, doctors may schedule a surgical procedure to remove them. Some BCL6 tests also check for CD138, which is another marker for progesterone resistance.

Use Assisted Reproductive Technology

If a couple can’t get pregnant naturally via intercourse, assisted reproductive technologies like IUI and IVF are a good alternative. Women with endometriosis are more likely to experience IVF failures, so they should complete a BCL6 test before starting an IVF cycle. Fertility doctors may prescribe drugs to help women ovulate and improve reproductive health to support the pregnancy.

IUI, or intrauterine insemination, involves a doctor placing quality sperm directly into the womb to boost the chances of fertilization and implantation. The technology helps resolve infertility caused by male factors such as insufficient or poor sperm quality. IVF, or in-vitro fertilization, involves fertilizing the egg outside the body and placing the embryo in the uterus for implantation. Assisted reproductive technologies aid fertilization and implantation to circumvent various causes of infertility. If these technologies don’t work, options like surrogates or sperm and egg donors could help couples start a family.

Discover the Cause of Unexplained Infertility

The next steps after an infertility diagnosis depend on whether the doctor identifies any underlying issues. If the diagnosis reveals what’s preventing successful conception and pregnancy, individuals and couples may begin fertility treatment. Schedule an appointment for a BCL6 test today to determine if unexplained infertility may be caused by endometriosis.