Unexplained Infertility

Unexplained infertility is a diagnosis of exclusion, when the standard investigation of both the female and male partner has ruled out other infertility diagnoses. It doesn’t mean that there is no reason for the infertility, but that the reason is unable to be identified at that time. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of couples will receive the diagnosis of unexplained infertility. The conventional infertility evaluation in the female may include: medical history, physical examination, tests of blood hormone levels, ovulatory function, and hysterosalpingogram (HSG) (an x-ray of uterus and fallopian tubes). Laparoscopy, which involves the insertion of a thin, lighted telescope-like instrument into the abdomen to look at the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, may be necessary to exclude factors such as endometriosis and adhesions (scar tissue) which may not be apparent by HSG. The conventional infertility evaluation in the male may include: medical history, physical examination, semen analysis, and hormonal testing.

Sometimes the problem with unexplained infertility may be discovered at the time of in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a method of assisted reproduction that involves combining an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish. If the egg fertilizes and begins cell division, the resulting embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus.

Critical factors to be considered in evaluating and managing unexplained infertility are the duration of infertility and age of the female partner. Younger fertile couples have approximately a 20 percent chance of spontaneous conception per month. In contrast, couples with unexplained infertility, who are infertile for more than three years, have spontaneous conception rates of 1 to 2 percent per month. It is clear that the aging process is associated with a reduction in reproductive capacity and increased miscarriage, particularly after age 35 in the female. Tests of reproductive capacity (ovarian reserve), which may include cycle day 3 levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol and/or the clomiphene citrate challenge test, may be helpful in evaluating ovarian function. Infertile couples in which the female is greater than age 35 should be encouraged to actively pursue treatment after six months of trying to conceive, or if a known infertility related problem (e.g., endometriosis, history of irregular periods) is present.