This is what doctors call unexplained infertility. It simply means they can’t find a specific reason why pregnancy isn’t happening. And even though you finally have a “name” for what you’re facing, it doesn’t really give you the answers you’re looking for.
Your reproductive system is made up of many different parts. Egg quality, hormonal balance, fallopian tube function, uterine health, and sperm parameters, all play a vital role in conception. For a pregnancy to happen, all of these need to work together at just the right time.
When doctors evaluate your fertility, they check:
- Are your periods regular?
- Are you ovulating?
- Are your eggs healthy?
- Are your fallopian tubes open?
- Is your uterus healthy?
- Is your partner’s sperm healthy, with a good count, movement, and shape?
- Are your hormones balanced?
So Why Is This Happening?
If you’re thinking, “There must be something wrong that they just can’t see,” you’re probably right. Here are some possible reasons that might be playing a role:1. Undiagnosed Conditions
Some health problems don’t always show clear signs but can still affect your fertility. For example:- Thyroid problems
- Diabetes
- Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
2. Mild Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when tissue like the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. Sometimes, even small amounts can affect fertility without causing noticeable pain. It’s tricky because mild endometriosis often only shows up during surgery, it doesn’t always show up in scans or tests.3. Cervical Mucus Problems
During ovulation, your cervical mucus helps sperm swim toward your egg. If it’s too thick or not the right consistency, sperm might struggle to get through.4. Egg Quality Issues
Doctors can measure how many eggs you have (your ovarian reserve), but measuring the actual quality of those eggs is much harder. When egg quality is low, it can quietly affect your ability to conceive, making both fertilisation and implantation more difficult.5. Uterine Lining Issues
Your uterus needs to have a healthy, thick lining (called the endometrium) for an embryo to implant and grow. Sometimes, the lining may not be fully ready, even if everything else looks good.How Do Doctors Diagnose It?
Unfortunately, there isn’t one single magic test that says “Aha! This is the problem.”Doctors usually go through a full checklist:
- Medical history (yours and your partner’s)
- Physical exams
- Hormone blood tests
- Ultrasounds of the ovaries and uterus
- Tests like hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check the fallopian tubes
- Semen analysis for your partner
- Ovulation tracking
- Ovarian reserve testing
What Can You Do About It?
Okay, here’s the part you’ve probably been waiting for: What can be done?Fortunately, there are multiple medical approaches available that doctors can recommend based on your specific needs.
1. Fertility Medications
These medicines help your ovaries release more eggs, giving you a better shot each cycle. But keep in mind, these can sometimes increase your chance of twins or triplets because you might release more than one egg.2. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
If medications alone don’t work, doctors may recommend procedures like:- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): They collect your partner’s sperm, “wash” it to pick the healthiest swimmers, and place it directly into your uterus during ovulation.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): They collect your eggs and fertilise them with sperm in a lab, then place the healthiest embryo into your uterus. Sometimes, they use ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) to directly inject one sperm into one egg.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Simple things that can actually make a difference:- Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly but not excessively.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
- Keep your caffeine intake low.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Try stress-reducing activities. Yoga, meditation, therapy, whatever helps you feel calm.
4. Better Timing
Your doctor may help you track ovulation more closely using:- Basal body temperature tracking
- Ovulation predictor kits
- Ultrasounds to monitor egg development
Can You Prevent Unexplained Infertility?
Honestly, not completely. Many factors are simply out of your control. While some factors may be medical, maintaining your overall health can positively influence fertility outcomes.- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking or heavy drinking.
- Use protection to avoid sexually transmitted infections.
- Manage any chronic health conditions with your doctor’s help.
Questions You Can Ask Your Doctor
- What are my chances of getting pregnant with treatment?
- Should I try medications or go straight to IVF?
- Is there any condition we haven’t ruled out?
- Would seeing a fertility specialist help?
- Are there more tests available?
The most important thing is finding a healthcare team that listens, supports you, and helps you explore all your options, whether that means trying medication, IUI, IVF, or sometimes, just giving it a little more time.
FAQs on Unexplained Infertility: What Does This Mean
- Can I still get pregnant with unexplained infertility?
Yes, many do, naturally or with treatment. - Is IVF always needed for unexplained infertility?
Not always. Medications or IUI may work too. - Wondering how long to try on your own before getting medical advice?
One year if under 35; six months if older.
