Infertility affects millions of women all over the world. In fact, it’s estimated that around 13% of women are unable to conceive after trying for a year or more. While some cases of infertility are easily explained, others remain unexplained.

Unexplained infertility is a frustrating and sometimes devastating diagnosis for women trying to conceive. However, new research suggests that unexplained infertility in women may be linked to viral infections.

What is Unexplained Infertility?

Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis given when all tests and investigations come back normal, but a woman is still unable to get pregnant.

This means that there is no clear reason why a woman cannot conceive, despite all fertility tests and investigations appearing normal.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to infertility in women, including hormonal imbalances, ovulation disorders, and structural abnormalities of the reproductive organs.

However, when all of these factors have been ruled out, the diagnosis of unexplained infertility is given.

The Link Between Viral Infections and Unexplained Infertility

Researchers have long suspected that viruses may play a role in reproductive health.

Viruses are known to impact the immune system, and it’s thought that exposure to certain viruses may lead to disruptions in the delicate balance of hormones required for conception. Recent studies have also highlighted the potential impact of viral infections on male fertility.

A study published in the Journal of Medical Virology has found that women with unexplained infertility were more likely to have been previously infected with a range of different viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus (HPV).

The study looked at blood samples from 101 women with unexplained infertility and compared them to the blood samples of 50 fertile women.

The researchers found that women with unexplained infertility were significantly more likely to have antibodies to a range of different viruses, indicating that they had previously been infected with those viruses.

The Impact of Viral Infections on Fertility

So, how might viral infections be impacting fertility in women with unexplained infertility?.

One possibility is that viral infections are leading to disruption of the delicate balance of hormones required for conception. In particular, viruses such as HPV are known to impact levels of estrogen in the body, which could impact ovulation.

Another possibility is that viral infections are leading to inflammation in the reproductive organs. Inflammation can disrupt the processes required for conception to occur, and can also cause damage to the reproductive organs themselves.

Finally, it’s possible that some viral infections may directly damage the DNA of the egg or the sperm, making conception more difficult.

What Can Women with Unexplained Infertility Do?

If you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility and are struggling to conceive, it’s worth considering whether viral infections may be playing a role in your difficulty conceiving.

One option is to undergo testing to see whether you have been previously infected with any viruses. This may involve a simple blood test to check for the presence of antibodies to various viruses.

If you have been previously infected with a virus that may be impacting your fertility, there are a number of steps you can take to boost your chances of conceiving:.

Speak to your doctor about antiviral medications that may help to clear the virus from your system.
Focus on supporting your immune system through healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and reducing stress.
Consider supplements such as coenzyme Q10 and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to support fertility.

It’s also worth noting that some treatments for unexplained infertility may also be useful in addressing the impact of viral infections on fertility.

For example, intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can help to bypass any damage to the reproductive organs caused by inflammation or viral infections.

Conclusion

Unexplained infertility is a frustrating and often heartbreaking diagnosis for many women. However, new research suggests that viral infections may be playing a role in the development of unexplained infertility in some women.

If you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, it’s worth considering whether viral infections may be impacting your fertility, and exploring the different treatment options available to you.