https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 05:47:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1870982 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 23:05:29 +0000 babycanuck 1870982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>:( good luck and keep us posted ((hugs)) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1870981 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 23:04:22 +0000 LindsayInNY 1870981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@babycanuck: I'm treating under the medical director in charge of both offices. I see other REs for monitoring along the way and the procedure itself, depending who's on that day. But he is apparently in charge of my treatment plan? I'm going to ask Monday if there's anything new or different we can do this time though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1870973 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 22:51:43 +0000 babycanuck 1870973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Is there another RE at that clinic that can review your files and talk with you? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1870971 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 22:49:12 +0000 LindsayInNY 1870971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@babycanuck: I think that's a good idea in some cases. I don't know if another opinion would even help though. I'm going to an awesome, really reputable clinic. I would hate to spend more money and wasted months (my opinion) on testing to get no where. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1870953 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 22:24:11 +0000 babycanuck 1870953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Go somewhere else. The ladies on here encouraged me to go for another opinion and I'm so happy I did. My first RE said unexplained and do IUI and if I had done that I would have wasted so much money. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1870143 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:43:25 +0000 LindsayInNY 1870143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sweetooth: I think when I call today to come in on CD3, I'll ask if there's anything new or different that can be done. Can't hurt... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1869795 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:50:45 +0000 sweetooth 1869795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I don't think you'll annoy the RE at all if you ask about injectables. It's your body, and like you said, when they only recommend 3-4 IUIs, why not see if a different approach would end in a BFP? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1869032 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:09:12 +0000 FliegepilzHut 1869032@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't get a chance to respond last night...DH and I are unexplained, with the added caveat that we've now had two early losses (missed m/c @11weeks (conceived without help) and a blighted ovum (following IVF), both followed by D+C...so now I am undergoing some further work-up for recurrent loss. We tried for essentially 2 years (3 IUI cycles, otherwise TI) and my periods have always been extremely regular, "normal" flow, without excessive pain. My RE, for whom I have a great deal of respect, feels like this is likely "just one of those things" (I'm paraphrasing). I (not-so-secretly) am worried that I may be having some immune response that is preventing pregnancy...but it's tough because there are only so many things that they can test...and no proven treatments...if that makes any sense. Anyway...unexplained does suck a lot and I guess it only means "to the best of our abilities, we can't determine why you're not getting pregnant," as @Sarac: already said. :bummed: </p> <p>I'm wishing you lots of good mojo and your :bfp: soon! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1868790 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:38:43 +0000 LindsayInNY 1868790@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: @winter_wonder: Aww, thanks!! I love all the IFers but I do think having a diagnosis versus not/unexplained is different too. So hearing other people's experiences helps.</p> <p>@sooz: I'm gonna check out that board - thanks!</p> <p>@winter_wonder: I'm onto IUI #3. I remember the RE initially saying 3-4 IUIs was the recommendation. DH and I will have to talk about what point we move on - do we rush it and just do it OR wait and replenish flex spending account?</p> <p>@marionberry: Thanks for your experience!! I know I just need to get LO#1 first but I do wonder how things will be for #2 - will it happen naturally (like the case with a lot of people) or still be difficult? Only time will tell...</p> <p>@Mrs.Pinecone316: I'm reluctant to go back to acupuncture. I did it for a little bit and my cycle was all messed up. So now I'm hesitant. :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1867251 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 22:43:21 +0000 Mrs.Pinecone316 1867251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know 2 people who had unexplained infertility- both 2-3 years of TTC. Acupuncture and herbs worked for both of the. Both pregnant 3-6 months later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1867220 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:56:19 +0000 marionberry 1867220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were diagnosed with unexplained IF when we went to our RE after 9 months of trying with no success. I had perfect cycles (at least according to charting) and tests had confirmed ovulation, not to mention I had tried everything possible (preseed, vitamins, different positions, legs up in the air after BD, etc). DH had done a few SA's but none of the numbers were that bad - in fact most were great. The RE thought it could be the condition of my cervix post LEEP but said he really didn't know. My HSG also showed perfectly clear.</p> <p>We did an IUI and got pregnant on our first try so we figured perhaps it was the cervix issue, but I just got pregnant on accident with the same cervix, so apparently it wasn't. I had a c-section for my first lo so I know it wasn't labor that affected my cervix either.</p> <p>I know I don't have the long experiences all of you do, but I just wanted to share my experience in the event that it gives someone with unexplained IF hope. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1867014 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 20:02:20 +0000 winter_wonder 1867014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I want to echo what other said and thank you for starting this thread. </p> <p>I'm in the same boat with unexplained IF. Just had another IUI (#3) last Friday, but my temps aren't looking promising.</p> <p>I think I'm going to try my fourth IUI with injectables and then possibly move to IVF if that isn't successful. </p> <p>I hate, hate, hate the unexplained part :bummed: it's so frustrating. Good luck to you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866822 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 18:10:12 +0000 sarac 1866822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My degree and work was in molecular biology, so I'm pretty comfortable with how little we know about these things, from a scientific standpoint. 'Unexplained' just means that one of the many things we don't fully understand is the reason for your infertility. I think that some doctors really fail to explain this part well. It doesn't 'just happen', it's that our understanding of human anatomy and reproduction is far from complete. Maybe someday . . . </p> <p>I have found myself being jealous of a friend with PCOS because at least she had a reason for her infertility! Which is a little nuts, honestly. I just don't ovulate. My husband also has poor morphology (biking, folks!), which probably doesn't help. Clomid worked for me to conceive my daughter, and now I've made peace with being done, as I'm not willing to do it again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866744 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:43:40 +0000 sooz 1866744@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: I think the main difference with CCRM is that their lab is amazing. They were the first to develop embryos to the blastocyst stage and their head embryologist, David Gardner (he was actually a vet and then took his knowledge of animal IVF to humans, but I don't think he's at CCRM anymore), actually created the ratings system for blastocysts. Basically, they have a kick-ass lab and I think that's where the difference lies. Because to be completely honest, there's only so much tweaking and changes you can make to your protocol and meds and any clinic can do that, but it's the Lab that makes the big difference...once that egg/embryo is outside of the body, it's the Lab that the does all the work.</p> <p>Also, CCRM monitors EVERYTHING. They're very meticulous about keeping track of your hormones and they ask you to come in everyday to see what your levels are and they will adjust your meds based on the results. So you're being monitored constantly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866726 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:31:12 +0000 sooz 1866726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I have to agree with you. Despite not having an MD, we know our own bodies best and sometimes that's what matters the most. As for the research, I learned A LOT from this board.</p> <p><a href="http://fertilitycentral.org/vitro-fertilization-ivf/2020180326-ccrm-girls.html" rel="nofollow">http://fertilitycentral.org/vitro-fertilization-ivf/2020180326-ccrm-girls.html</a></p> <p>I know it's long, but I read through a most of it. The women on this board are all really knowledgeable. Most have gone through multiple IUIs and IVFs and have come to CCRM as their last resort. They come armed with years of research on hormones, levels, IVF protocols (e.g., estrogen priming which I believe contributed to my success), CCRM's vitamin regime, etc.. You'll see that many of the women, despite how dire their outlook was/is have become pregnant, so it is possible!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866707 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:24:26 +0000 PurplePumps 1866707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I gotta thank you for starting this thread! I'm so intrigued by everyone's unexplained stories.</p> <p>@sooz: What was done differently at CCRM and between the successful cycle and the first 2? I hear it a lot that people with IF for the first child go on to conceive naturally so much easier for subsequent children. I'm so happy that it all worked out for you in the end! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866704 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:22:55 +0000 LindsayInNY 1866704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sooz: Wow! I'd love to know more about the research you did... I truly believe that we are sometimes the best advocate for ourselves (despite not having the MD!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866695 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 16:18:04 +0000 sooz 1866695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was also a case of unexplained IF. For 2.5 years we tried everything: 4 rounds of IUI, 2 IVFs at two different clinics, chiropractic, acupuncture, chinese herbal meds, meditation, vitamins, anticoagulant injections, etc....over $80K worth of intervention. And nothing worked. </p> <p>At the 2nd IVF, the doctor told me that I would have to do donor eggs, but we decided (after lots and lots of research) to give it one last shot. So, went to CCRM in Colorado (we live in CA), where for the first time we were successful in having our embryos make it to the 5-day blastocyst stage. We transferred two blasts and finally were successful! I became pregnant with a son who was delivered 2.5yrs ago. </p> <p>And then one year later, I became pregnant naturally with our second son. </p> <p>I totally believe that we would not have either of our sons had we not gone to CCRM. The two clinics that we went to prior to CCRM were both top-notch, but neither could provide any explanation as to why we couldn't get pregnant. In addition, I think all of my research, (and I did a crapload of research...I could probably write a book on hormones and IVF), really helped.</p> <p>I think the best advice I can give is don't give up. Unexplained IF is really difficult, but it's not the worst and there is hope. Also, do your research...Be your own advocate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866647 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:53:31 +0000 LindsayInNY 1866647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sweetooth: Ahh, that makes sense. I wasn't sure if there was a benefit to injectables over just Clomid. And I don't want to annoy my RE too much by pretending I'm a RE, ya know? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866440 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 14:18:47 +0000 sweetooth 1866440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: My RE suggested an IUI with injectables for me because on Clomid the follicles were increasing in size WAY too fast. Timing the LH surge, having the lining look good, etc. was all out of whack on the Clomid cycles. So for me, injectables requires that I go in on CD6, CD8, CD10 and this time around I'm also headed back on CD12 to check on the follicle size. She starts me on a low dose, adjusts the meds accordingly as we go and we watch, wait, and see. I feel good about this process because it worked for me once. So I really hope it works again. It feels a lot more controlled than Clomid. For me, anyway.</p> <p>C+B isn't for everyone. But I always share that it works for me, in case someone is looking for another option. It's one of the only things I feel like I can cling onto during this process where I feel like I am in control of how I feel and what my body is doing.</p> <p>@Mrs.Someone: I love that you conceived naturally with the help of your naturopath. I always remember your voice during my first time around and I wish I had more time <i>(meaning - I wish I was younger)</i> so I felt like I could relax, and trust the process with a naturopath. I don't know why the RE approach makes me feel like it's the best thing to do if you are AMA. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866318 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:35:59 +0000 everbee 1866318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: yea i was just beginning to look into homeopathic fertility clinics. i just personally wasn't ready for IVF because even in my heart, i didn't think anything was wrong with either of us. so yes, i guess i did believe my unexplained IF diagnosis. i found a clinic through online research that does something called "mini IVF." apparently it's similar to IVF but significantly less hormones and shots. i never got around to going in to see what it was all about, but it's worth looking into if you're not ready to do IVF. you could always go the route of acupuncture and herbal medicines. it didn't work for me but i know others who say that's what got them pg. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866171 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:39:07 +0000 LindsayInNY 1866171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsTal: Thank you! I did have a chemical pregnancy a year ago so I keep reminding myself that I *can* get pregnant but, for some unknown reason, it hasn't happened again. YET. I keep reminding myself of that too since it WILL happen! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866130 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:29:28 +0000 MrsTal 1866130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like others, I hate the unexplained diagnosis. My first RE (who we saw after 1.5 years of trynig) came back with that diagnosis and a standard treatment plan that I couldn't get behind (he wanted to try clomid for 3 cycles, then IUI for at least 3 cycles, then go from there). We didn't have IF treatment coverage and I didn't want to waste my time not being agressive enough, so I sought a new RE who listened to me and my concerns and let us move at a pace we wanted. We tried one cycle of clomid, then we moved to IUI. Our IUI revealed my husband had really low morphology (less than 1%), something our first RE had never tested and I thought AHA we finally have solved the problem. But our new RE said morphology is rarely the sole reason for IF and that he didn't think it was the problem, that we were still unexplained. I still don't understand how sperm not being the correct shape can't be a problem, if they can't break through the egg's coating how can the egg be fertilized? Sorry, anyway, at that point it was the only thing we had to go on. We did discuss further testing with our RE but given that our insurance stopped covering anything after our diagnosis was made we all agreed that our money was better spent trying to get us pregnant than figuring out why we couldn't get pregnant. I know that might not work for everyone but at this point we were two years in and we were tired. Based on the suggestion of the doctor and my own online research, my DH started some fertility blend vitamins to help with morphology and we prepped for IVF. About 3 months after he started the vitamins we got our BFP with just TI. It was and still is a shock, and I'm now almost 20 weeks along. </p> <p>Sorry for the novel, but I just think you have to be as agressive as you are comfortable with, if you really need to know the why, then pursue further testing, seek out alternative medicine, push. Sometimes, it may still be unexplained as science hasn't quite caught up to the reason why (maybe an egg quality issue that can't be seen until IVF). I know having a reason was more comforting to me when I thought we knew what was wrong and it felt like we could do something, so I definitely encourage you to try to seek out other opinions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866102 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:23:02 +0000 LindsayInNY 1866102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@everbee: I didn't consider a homeopathic practice... Might be something worth looking into though.</p> <p>@sweetooth: What made your RE decide to do injectables for your third IUI? I don't want to play doctor for them but, at the same time, I wonder if a different approach this time would make sense... I go back and forth on Circle + Bloom for some reason, not sure why?</p> <p>@PurplePumps: ((hugs)) I agree with so much of what you said.</p> <p>@Mrs.Someone: Oh, I agree, I don't believe the unexplained diagnosis. It's more so that they can't figure out the explained diagnosis as easily. I hadn't considered a natropath but might be something worth looking into... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866037 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:05:07 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1866037@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: Both gave me supplements that were enough to conceive for the first and second times, even though I miscarried both times. After that, it helped give my naturopath an idea of what to test for, and led me to see a MFM once I had a diagnosis (autoimmune). Once I got on Lovenox after ovulation, I got pregnant (and it stuck) right away. And yes, all naturally.</p> <p>So bottom line, the naturopath looked at IF in a different way than the RE would, leading her to finding the answer. The RE pretty much told me that this happens, and there is nothing they can do about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1866007 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:52:54 +0000 PurplePumps 1866007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Someone: What did they do for you? Did you conceive completely naturally after that? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1865991 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:47:04 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1865991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I don't believe in unexplained, I think its just a lack of figuring out the problem because of timing, doctor's knowledge, etc. I still believe that if I had never seen my acupuncturist and naturopath, I would've been classified as unexplained and eventually pushed to IVF. </p> <p>Best luck to you, do what feels right. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1865926 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:04:46 +0000 tequiero21 1865926@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had unexplained too, which was really annoying and frustrating. I personally think I had a sperm meets egg problem. After three years of trying, I got pregnant the cycle I did an hsg. They said all was clear, but I have a feeling the hsg cleared any blockage. That ended in mc. We tried ti on our own for a few months. Then tried iui w clomid for three months. Then jumped to ivf, which was successful. Of 19 eggs, 8 fertilized, 7 was from icsi, only one (of 8) fertilized on its own. So the sperm needed help going into the egg? But then a year and half later, I get pregnant on my own and now have a 2.5 week old baby in my arms. Go figure. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1865708 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:34:24 +0000 mrs.shinerbock 1865708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pretty much what @sweetooth: and @purplepumps: said. I despise the term because it doesn't really give you a game plan, just a bunch of things that you can try. I did get a BFP on my third IUI with Clomid, but mc'd. A year later, I got a BFP on the second round of Clomid (no IUI that cycle because I never got a smiley face on the test) and that pregnancy stuck. For the next time we TTC, I plan on going straight to Clomid and maybe IUI because I think we need help getting everything lined up and timed correctly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/unexplained-if-support#post-1865674 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 09:17:01 +0000 PurplePumps 1865674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unexplained sucks. There's nothing to fix and a boatload of crap they can *try*. I've always had irregular long periods ranging anywhere from 35-49 days and a few times up wards of 3 months. I went on BC for just 2 years after meeting DH and came right off to TTC, figuring if people who have been on it for 10+ all around me were getting pregnant on their first try, surely 2 years of it couldn't have effected me too much, not that it did. But that was the only thing I naively thought could have "harmed" me.</p> <p>Well, a year later, nothing. I talked to the OB and she had me try Clomid 2x, nothing. The second time it didn't even do anything and I still Oed CD20something. I started to see an RE after 15 months and we did 2 more rounds of Clomid (one TI, one IUI) and then 2 of Fermera with IUI. Still nothing. Hormone levels were all good, previous work ups good, SA count 65M-125M each time.</p> <p>Now exactly 2 years to the month of starting TTC we just finished our first round of IVF with nothing to transfer. It looks like an egg quality issue - half polyspermic and the 4 that did fertilize normally arrested and were very fragmented. Now, I don't know if this is *because* of the meds or if that's the usual state of my eggs. We'll be doing IVF again in Jan, likely with a different protocol and stims.</p> <p>I honestly don't think anything can make me feel better about this. Knowing why or not knowing at this point is the same end result - no bfp to date and no baby. </p>