Unexplained Infertility

Unexplained infertility is a fairly common medical condition which indicates a failure to determine a credible underlying cause of infertility despite a thorough evaluation of both the male and female partner. Knowing that you’re infertile is tough enough, but not knowing the underlying cause for the problem can be extremely painful to reconcile with.

The diagnosis of unexplained infertility is a difficult process involving a series of exclusion and elimination based on a large number of infertility tests making it an extremely frustrating experience.

Doctors are now of the opinion that unexplained infertility is probably caused by a small problem in each partner, affecting the chances of getting pregnant. These problems are so subtle that they don’t show up on current tests. This means that a clinical problem exists but the probable cause for this problem remains elusive.

Possible Factors Leading to Unexplained Infertility

Abnormal fallopian tubes
Abnormal eggs
Prematurely Aging Ovaries Syndrome
Weak sperm
Immune System Problems
Emotional Distress

Possible Treatment Options for Unexplained Infertility

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – Under this assisted reproductive technology, the fertilization process is initiated by collecting sperm from the male partner and releasing it into the female partner’s uterus.

In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) – This process is followed for women who have faulty fallopian tubes or ovaries. The process involves placing the egg and the sperm in a dish and once fertilized, the embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus.

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation - Intrauterine insemination in conjunction with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is often used as first-line treatment for couples with unexplained infertility. The treatment involves using drugs to make the woman's ovaries produce eggs and inserting her partner's sperm directly into her womb.

For those grappling with a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, the good news is that medical science has made great inroads in cutting down the incidence of this condition. On-going research is tipped to further reduce the incidence of unexplained fertility in the coming years. Moreover studies reveal that very often such couples conceive naturally over a three year period.

East Bay fertility Center, Dublin, California, (www.ebfertility.com) specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of infertility, providing a complete mind-body experience for fertility couples. At East Bay, our reproductive endocrinologists conduct a detailed review of the entire infertility evaluation when couples approach us with a prior diagnosis of unexplained fertility. This can sometimes reveal an error made in either testing or interpretation in which case we recommend further investigation into questionable fertility factors. Treatment options are pursued based on all known parameters and the preferences of the couple.

East Bay’s experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician. Dr Snowden is Board Certified in Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology with advanced Fellowship training in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorders in women. Call us at 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.