Is unexplained infertility common?

Unexplained infertility affects around 10–20% of couples. However, many couples go on to conceive despite this condition.

Can unexplained infertility resolve on its own?

Some couples may conceive naturally after trying for months or years without treatment. However, you can discuss fertility treatments with your doctor if it has been more than a year since you have been trying to conceive.

Should I consider IVF immediately if no cause is found?

Your doctor may suggest ovulation induction or IUI before IVF, as it is usually reserved for cases when age is a factor or other methods do not work.

What to Do When Doctors Can’t Find an Infertility Cause

You may have gone through multiple tests, anxiously sat in waiting rooms for long hours, and even followed advice from everyone to help you conceive, but all in vain. Despite all this turmoil, you may still not have clear answers.

When you do not know the specific cause preventing pregnancy, it can frustrate you. You may even feel stuck because you do not know what to fix without a cause. If you are going through this situation, do not worry, as you are not alone. Many couples are in a similar situation called unexplained infertility. All you can do is understand what it means to take your next steps towards healing.

What Is Unexplained Infertility?

When a couple takes several fertility tests and gets normal results, but cannot conceive, it is called unexplained infertility. These tests include hormone levels, ultrasound scans, semen analysis, and checks for blocked fallopian tubes.

Some factors, like egg quality, sperm function, or slight hormonal changes, can be hard to measure. However, this does not mean there is no cause at all. It simply means that the current medical tests cannot detect the exact reason.
Remember that unexplained infertility does not imply you cannot conceive at all. It just may take longer or require some extra support for you to get pregnant. You can refer to the following points to learn how to deal with unexplained infertility.

Take Care of Your Emotional Health

The first thing you can do for your emotional health is acknowledge it, because you may be left with more questions than answers. It is not the time to blame yourself or feel helpless.
Some fertility factors are beyond your control, so avoid taking stress and focus on your mental health. You can always take help from a counsellor or practice meditation, yoga, or journaling to feel lighter.
You can also join a fertility support group because sharing your experiences with others who understand can ease your emotional pain.

Reassess Lifestyle Habits

You can make adjustments in your day-to-day lifestyle to observe differences over time.

Nutrition: A balanced diet contains whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, which are essential for hormonal balance and reproductive health.
Exercise: Physical activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are necessary to improve blood flow and reduce stress, but avoid strenuous workout sessions.
Weight management: Losing or gaining too much weight is detrimental when it comes to fertility. Always maintain a healthy weight for normal hormonal function.
Avoid harmful substances: Smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine may lower fertility in both men and women, so reduce or eliminate them.

Explore Fertility-Friendly Timing

Sometimes, the reason for not conceiving can be timing rather than a medical issue. You can increase your chances by learning to track ovulation properly.

Keep an eye on changes in cervical mucus (it becomes clear and stretchy during fertile days).
Use ovulation predictor kits for more accuracy.
Time intercourse during your fertile window.

Discuss Advanced Fertility Options

Many couples take the help of modern treatments available today when the cause is unclear.

Ovulation induction: Medicines can help stimulate the ovaries to release more than one egg, increasing the chances of conception.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Processed sperm is placed directly inside the uterus to improve the chances of meeting the egg.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF): Eggs are fertilised in the lab setting and then transferred to the uterus. IVF is often effective even in unexplained infertility cases.

Don’t Forget Male Fertility

The result of sperm analysis may show normal, but sometimes subtle issues exist. Therefore, encourage your partner also to make some lifestyle adjustments because fertility is a shared journey.

These changes can improve sperm health when your partner takes steps like reducing heat exposure (avoiding hot tubs, tight pants), eating antioxidant-rich foods, and limiting alcohol.

Permit Yourself to Take Breaks

Please do not make your conception journey overtake your emotions. Constant tracking of cycles, doctor visits, and lifestyle changes can become exhausting. Remind yourself to take breaks from all this by pausing for a month or two.
Take this time to focus on your well-being, your relationship, or simply rest. This break can lower your stress levels, which ultimately improves your fertility.

Stay Hopeful, Stay Informed

You may find it comforting to know that many couples with unexplained infertility conceive naturally or with medical assistance. It may take longer than usual, but it is possible. Keeping hope and showing patience are equally important in this journey as medical treatments.
Unexplained infertility does not have a clear reason, but do not give up on this journey. Take time to make changes in your lifestyle, explore other fertility options, and focus on your emotional health. Remember that the fertility journey can be challenging, but you can overcome every hurdle with a positive mindset.

FAQs on What to Do When Doctors Can’t Find an Infertility Cause

Is unexplained infertility common?
Unexplained infertility affects around 10–20% of couples. However, many couples go on to conceive despite this condition.
Can unexplained infertility resolve on its own?
Some couples may conceive naturally after trying for months or years without treatment. However, you can discuss fertility treatments with your doctor if it has been more than a year since you have been trying to conceive.
Should I consider IVF immediately if no cause is found?
Your doctor may suggest ovulation induction or IUI before IVF, as it is usually reserved for cases when age is a factor or other methods do not work.