What else can you do following a diagnosis?

The diagnosis of unexplained infertility is given if the standard fertility investigations come back normal. However, researchers are continuously studying how our bodies work and what other underlying conditions may contribute to infertility. This may include thyroid issues, diabetes, reduced egg quality or DNA damage in sperm. Other functional aspects include timing and frequency of sex as well.

What about additional additional tests?

You've had the standard investigations, so what about additional tests? Are there other tests out there? Yes. Are they accessible and affordable? Not quite. The NICE guidelines recommend trying to conceive with intercourse for 2 years before any treatment will be offered, so it's unlikely you can access any additional investigations on the NHS.

However, it's worth double checking that you've covered everything that could be impacting your fertility. Use our helpful symptoms checklist below to ensure you have explored all the salient aspects with your GP during your consultation. If not - you might want to schedule another appointment. Read our article How to speak with your doctor about fertility for more support.

What could your symptom diary include?

You can use our symptom checklist below to help record your symptoms and to support conversations with your GP.

Monitor the length of your cycle, regularity, any vaginal discharge, heaviness of your period and presence of clots.

Why this is important

This can be indicative of ovulatory challenges such as PCOS, infections such as STI's or pelvic disorders like endometriosis

Tests your GP may perform

Blood tests may include:

  • P21. This test measures progesterone levels to assess if ovulation has taken place.
  • FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This is used to give an indication of ovarian activity.
  • LH (luteinising hormone). LH should reach a peak before ovulation, but elevated LH levels can have an abnormal effect on the ovaries.
  • TFT (thyroid function test). Thyroid hormone levels can impact ovulation.
  • STI screen

In addition to blood tests, you may also have a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound examination to assess your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Have you noticed extra hair appear on your face or body? Do you suffer from spots or acne? Do you experience hot flushes, headaches, mood swings or vaginal dryness?

Why this is important

The above symptoms can be indicative of PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis and in some rare cases, early menopause.

Tests your GP may perform

Blood tests may include:

  • FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This is used to give an indication of ovarian activity.
  • LH (luteinising hormone). LH should reach a peak before ovulation, but elevated LH levels can have an abnormal effect on the ovaries.
  • TFT (thyroid function test). Thyroid hormone levels can impact ovulation.
  • Prolactin. Elevated levels of prolactin may suppress ovulation so prolactin may be checked if periods are absent.

In addition to blood tests, you may also have a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound examination to assess your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Sometimes you might be referred to a gynaecologist for consideration of a laparoscopy (camera test inside pelvic cavity).

Make a note of the timing and frequency of sex. Do you experience pain during intercourse? Do you bleed after sex? Do you bleed in between periods?

Why this is important

The above symptoms could be indicative of infections (for example STI's or pelvic infections) or a cervical condition (for example ectropion or a graze on the cervix). Pain during intercourse could be related to physical or psychological causes, including endometriosis and vaginismus.

Tests your GP may perform

STI screening, ultrasound scan, vaginal swabs and possible speculum investigation to visualise the cervix. Sometimes you might be referred to a gynaecologist for consideration of a laparoscopy (camera test inside pelvic cavity).

Speaking to your GP about the Béa ICI Treatment

The Béa Treatment could be a good treatment option for unexplained infertility. It helps plan the timing and frequency of the inseminations for the best chances of getting pregnant. The Béa Applicator places our custom cervical cap against the cervix, holding semen in place for up to one hour. It increases the exposure to the cervical mucus, minimises the contact of semen in the vagina (where the pH can reduce sperm quality) and reduces semen backflow.

The Béa Treatment Kit is new on the market – it’s possible your GP hasn’t heard of it yet. It’s an at-home fertility treatment that previously hasn’t been accessible or available to purchase online. If you wish to share details about the Béa Treatment, show them The Science of ICI and ask your GP for their opinion But we know GP appointments are short - so here's the TL:DR version:

The Béa Treatment is the modern take on ICI (intracervical insemination). It's an at-home fertility treatment that's affordable and accessible. It involves placing a cervical cap with semen near the cervix and it has a pregnancy rate of 50% over 6 cycles.