Dealing with Unexplained Infertility: Insights and Options

Unexplained infertility occurs when the cause of a couple's inability to conceive remains unknown despite thorough medical evaluation.

Unexplained Infertility FAQ

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What does unexplained infertility mean?

If you have unexplained infertility, it means that no reason has been found for your fertility problems. You may feel anxious to try fertility drugs but you should not be offered clomifene citrate (or other fertility drugs taken by mouth) because it has not been found to improve the chance of pregnancy compared with trying for a baby naturally.

How is unexplained infertility diagnosed?

Unexplained infertility can only truly be diagnosed after a full and complete fertility evaluation of both the male and female partner. An unexplained infertility diagnosis may be justified if it has been shown that: There are no serious uterine fertility issues. (Evaluated with a hysteroscopy.) You are ovulating regularly.

Why do I have unexplained infertility during IVF treatment?

This is another problem that may be diagnosed during IVF treatment since embryos are monitored for normal cell division. Some factor yet unknown to fertility experts: It may be that the cause of your unexplained infertility is completely unknown to medical professionals at this time. We don’t know everything there is about fertility yet.

How common is unexplained infertility?

According to one source, in 10% of couples trying to conceive, fertility tests are normal and there’s no detectable cause for infertility. But another source says unexplained infertility cases are as high as 30%. Is it possible to get pregnant with unexplained infertility?

How can we help couples with unexplained infertility?

Increase awareness of unexplained infertility (UI). Provide couples with information on appropriate tests and treatments. Provide couples with tools to discuss their options with their healthcare provider. This booklet and the information presented are entirely-based on the evidence-based Guideline on Unexplained Infertility.

Can a fertility specialist diagnose unexplained infertility?

If a fertility specialist or obstetrician performs comprehensive testing and still can't find a cause, they may diagnose unexplained infertility. Remember, every provider may have a different protocol for fertility testing. It's OK to get a second opinion if you receive an unexplained infertility diagnosis.