Unexplained infertility is a cause in quarter of patients experiencing fertility problems. If you've been trying to conceive for a year or more and in your evaluation if there is a demonstration of at least one patent fallopian tube, documentation of ovulation of the female partner, and a semen analysis with an adequate number of motile sperm for the male partner, we call it unexplained infertility. In this article, Dr. Saroja Koppala, Fertility Consultant at Nova IVF Fertility, Hyderabad explains about unexplained infertility.
What is unexplained infertility?
Unexplained fertility means when a specific cause for the inability to conceive cannot be identified after a full diagnosis. There are hundreds of factors that contribute to a viable pregnancy in the reproductive system. Infertility can occur if one of these factors is disrupted. Unfortunately, tests for all stages of the process are not available. Some issues, such as problems with fertilization or implantation, may only be discovered through IVF.
If you have regular intercourse, especially around the time of ovulation, and you haven't conceived after two years, you should consider getting a fertility test.
Causes of unexplained infertility
There will always be a reason for infertility; we just don't know what it is right now. As previously stated, the reproductive process has multiple steps, but there are currently no methods for measuring and evaluating all of them. Some possible causes of unexplained infertility include:
- Non-reproductive medical problem – poor health or other medical conditions may have an impact on fertility. Some underlying conditions, such as celiac disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes, or some autoimmune diseases, can lead to infertility if left untreated.
- Poor egg quality – You may be ovulating and have many eggs, but if the quality of your eggs is poor, you may be infertile.
- Poor sperm quality – Using sperm analysis, we can determine whether the sperm shape, motility, or quantity are acceptable. However, some sperm issues are not detectable in a sperm analysis, such as if the sperm has poor DNA quality.

- Fertilized egg development – When a healthy sperm fertilizes an egg, the egg's ability to develop into a healthy embryo is disrupted.
- Endometrium problems – Sometimes a healthy egg and sperm from a healthy embryo, but it is unable to implant in the uterine endometrium.
- Vaginal environment – Sperm must pass through the cervical mucus and vaginal canal to reach the uterus. However, there are times when this journey is extremely problematic
How to get diagnosed with unexplained infertility?
You may be diagnosed with unexplained infertility if:
- The woman is ovulating correctly and on a regular basis.
- The woman's blood work and/or antral follicle count indicate that her ovarian reserves are sufficient.
- Fallopian tubes are patent and free of adhesions.
- There are no adhesions or endometriosis in the pelvis.
- No uterine fertility issues, such as significant fibroids, exist
- Male sperm analysis is normal (total sperm count, movement, and shape)
Treatment options for unexplained infertility
Consult a doctor if you are having difficulty conceiving or are concerned that you may be experiencing fertility issues. They will be able to guide you through the appropriate tests and options for your specific situation as fertility specialists. However, there are two most used treatments for unexplained infertility. They are namely -
Medications and IUI
IUI with fertility medications is the best way to increase your chances of pregnancy if you have unexplained infertility. IUI treatment with fertility medications is worth a try because it is less expensive and less invasive.
Also Read: How Can Infertility Affect A Couple Psychologically? Explains IVF Expert
Treatment with IVF
In young females with normal ovarian reserve testing and unexplained infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has a high success rate. Most childless couples experiencing unexplained infertility with a female partner under the age of 40 will undergo three artificial inseminations and, if not pregnant, will undergo IVF.
It is important to emphasize your overall health, especially if you have unexplained fertility. The following are the most recommended lifestyle changes to increase fertility:
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages.
- Lose weight and exercise on a regular basis.
- Exercise stress management.
- Stop smoking.
Infertility is very common but many couples stay tight-lipped about it. It is high time that you consult a fertility specialist if you are unable to conceive despite several attempts. If you are diagnosed with unexplained infertility, it doesn’t mean that you are infertile. There are still chances of conception with the right treatment.
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