Unexplained infertility is a frustrating diagnosis but there is hope for couples who want to conceive.

Austin couples who hear the words “unexplained infertility” often think it’s the end of the road; if you don’t know why one or both partners aren’t fertile, how can you possibly conceive? It’s one of the most frustrating diagnoses for those who have been thoroughly tested without coming to a solid conclusion. When you don’t know what the problem is, how can you address it? About a quarter of couples who have tried to conceive without success are given this diagnosis, whether the issue lies with the male or female – or both.

Unexplained infertility simply means your doctor cannot find a medical reason that explains why you cannot become pregnant naturally. Why can’t you become pregnant on your own, without taking medications or resorting to IVF or IUI? Those who practice holistic or “natural” medicine know there are many factors that impact fertility including lifestyle, nutrition, genetics, environmental factors, stress level and more. The overall health of a person, both physical and emotional, have a huge impact on fertility. In some cases, it is possible for us to pinpoint the root cause because we focus on the body as a whole. Disease or illness anywhere in the body can cause a person to become infertile; it is not necessarily a problem confined to the reproductive system.

The truth is, your health directly impacts your reproductive potential. From what you eat to alcohol, smoking, even the medications you take, everything you do can affect your ability to become pregnant. Toxins may surround you at work or at home that you’re unaware of. It’s vital to take a look at the whole picture in order to treat unexplained infertility.

In addition to taking a look at your lifestyle and environmental factors, there are other treatments and therapies many have found effective for conceiving. Acupuncture is known to reduce stress, promote blood flow to the uterus and reproductive system, and help balance hormones. Couples with unexplained infertility may also choose to undergo IVF treatments for unexplained infertility and adding acupuncture often increasing the likelihood of success. In men, acupuncture often improves sperm parameters; in women, acupuncture may increase the number of follicles produced during an IVF procedure. It also helps improve the endometrial lining, regulates hormone levels, and helps thyroid issues that often interfere with fertility. In other words, holistic medicine supports the body to be in the very best condition it can be while trying to conceive.

Acupuncture, herbal medicine, eating a healthy diet and focusing on healthy lifestyle changes can help turn things around for couples who are affected by unexplained infertility. While you may never find out what the exact cause of your infertility is, hope is not lost, you can realize your dream of having a healthy baby.