Infertility from an unidentified cause accounts for 15% of all infertility cases. Couples with this situation can be especially frustrated, particularly because they never know if their situation is changeable or permanent. It is usually termed “Infertility of Unknown Causes”, “Unexplained Infertility”, or “Unknown Infertility”. This does not mean that there is no reason for this category of infertility, but rather it cannot be diagnosed. The percentage of couples falling within this category will decline as new causes of infertility are discovered. The following are several situations frequently seen on clients with unknown infertility:

1. Low blood pressure: When one’s blood pressure goes too low, the body will shut down the blood flow to the uterus or ovaries in order to provide enough blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs.

2. Thin uterine lining due to poor circulation or low level of estrogen: After a large amount of blood loss, the ovarian function can be compromised. If the ovaries do not produce enough estrogen and progesterone to stimulate the uterus lining to grow, the fetus cannot grow properly in the uterus. Estrogen levels may be still within the normal range but much lower than the optimal level. This also happens after a woman has a DNC to scrape the endometrial lining.

3. Indigestion and anemia: If anti-acid medications are taken for a long time, it can cause a deficiency of Vitamin B12 and malabsorption of essential amino acids, leading to anemia and poor circulation to the uterus. Sufficient vitamins and minerals are also vital for the production of progesterone.

4. Hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian dysfunction: If a woman has been taking birth control pills (BCP) for more than five years, she might not ovulate normally, and her uterus lining could become too thick for pregnancy. She could have problems getting pregnant or miscarry after she stops BCP. Moreover, there may be miscommunication between the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries caused by BCP. Then why do some women get pregnant right after they stop BCP, while others have difficulty? The answer depends on one’s lifestyle and genetic makeup. If one eats very unhealthy food and never exercises, stress levels are too high, or one has other sub-clinical problems, then more time is needed to restore the balance of the reproductive system.

5. The adrenal glands also can produce small amounts of estrogen and progesterone. If the adrenal glands are depleted, the ability to conceive can be affected. Also, blood pressure and blood sugar will fluctuate a lot, and one’s ability to adjust to environmental changes will diminish.

6. Stress can increase the cortisol levels, so the energy flow to the reproductive organs will change with high stress. The body is in a “fight or flight” condition to survive, and the reproductive system will shut down to save energy and prioritize the stress.

7. If one’s body produces antibodies to sperm, then the egg cannot be fertilized or implanted in the uterus.

8. If men do not drink enough water or take anti-histamines for prolonged periods, the sperm may not be able to swim fast enough to reach the uterus before the egg dies. The healthy sperm can survive for five days, but the egg can only survive one or two days.

9. The vaginal pH is not optimal for sperm survival.

Self-healing Technique for unknown reason for infertility:

1. Optimize blood pressure by drinking green tea in the morning two hours after breakfast, avoiding simple sugar, and eating every 3 to 4 hours. Taking a nap after work or lunch can rejuvenate the adrenal glands, preventing adrenal insufficiency and stabilizing blood pressure. Drinking enough water and raspberry or cinnamon tea during the day can also help blood pressure. Low blood pressure can protect the heart, but it can also sacrifice the ovarian function. Very thin women with extremely busy schedules tend to develop this condition. Taking Chinese herbal formulas to strengthen the kidneys and spleen function will optimize blood pressure.

2. Prevent high blood pressure by avoiding too much salt, which can develop into arteriosclerosis, thereby compromising blood circulation to the ovaries, brain and uterus.

3. Reduce stress with weekly acupuncture treatments, daily yoga, Qi Gong or meditation.

4. Rub the following acupressure points for 30 seconds to a minute when meditating so oxygen and nutrients circulate better to the ovaries and uterus:

Yin Tang: the midpoint between the eyebrows, above the nose on the brow ridge.

GV20: the top of the head and the midpoint on an imaginary line connecting the tops of the ears. Heart channel points: with the palm facing up, in line with the pinky, rub two inches from the wrist crease toward the elbow.

5. When it is not around the time of ovulation, condom use can let the uterus avoid direct contact with the sperm, so that, after a few weeks, the body will stop producing antibodies against the sperm.

6. Avoid foods which trigger histamine releases such as spicy foods, alcohol, and chocolate. Getting rid of inflammation in the body can facilitate a healthy pregnancy.