Decoding Unexplained Fertility: Exploring Causes and Treatment Options

In approximately 1/3 of couples no obvious cause for a delay in conceiving will be found. This is sometimes known as 'unexplained infertility'.

Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis made when all other potential causes have been ruled out following at least one year of attempting to conceive and after confirming the following.

• Regular ovulation

• Patent Fallopian tubes

• Normal semen analysis

Unexplained infertility can be frustrating problem for patients. You may read about other tests, however, many of these do not help either diagnose or help direct the most appropriate treatment.

Tests not routinely recommended

Hysteroscopy or Laparoscopy

Post Coital Test

Vaginal Microbiome Testing

Autoimmune Testing

Thrombophilia Screening

Vitamin D Testing

Sperm DNA Fragmentation

Chromosome Testing

The management of couples with Unexplained infertility is individualised and depends on a number of factors (Age, time trying, previous history). Sometimes just keeping on trying for a while is the most appropriate thing to do, this is called expectant management.

Other treatment options include

• Intrauterine insemination

• IVF or sometimes ICSI
  

Your fertility doctor will discuss the most appropriate options with you. The European Society for Reproduction and Embryology (EHSRE) have produced a useful information leaflet which can be downloaded here

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