When despite all testing, no functional or anatomical anomaly of the male and female reproductive system can be found, infertility is labeled as “unexplained”. It affects 15% of couples seeking medical help.

How unexplained infertility is diagnosed

Therapy is based mainly on detailed medical history, taken during the initial visit. The couples age and frequency and duration of unprotected intercourse play significant role as well. It has been shown that 11% of women 34 years old suffer from infertility, whereas this number rises up to 33% in women aged 40, and 87% in women aged 44. This rapid loss of infertility, sets the necessity for immediate start of treatment.

Treatment options available for unexplained infertility

The combination of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination gives relatively good results. Treatment must be given by specialised physicians and follow up must be thorough.
However one must be cautious giving these treatments since complications may occur. It is estimated that 15% of patients treated with clomiphene citrate may develop poor cervical mucus.If  gonadotropins are used, the risk of multiple gestation rises to 20% , and depending on the dose of stimulation there is a risk of  ovarian hyperstimulation.

If pregnancy is not achieved after 3-6 ovulatory cycles, the couple should consider proceeding with IVF or GIFT.