Unexplained Infertility: What You Need to Know

Unexplained Infertility is a term that can be difficult to understand for many couples. It means that even after doing all the fertility tests, doctors cannot find a clear reason why a couple is not able to get pregnant. This can be emotionally difficult because there is no specific problem to treat but still pregnancy is not happening.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, a Senior IVF Specialist with over 35 years of experience has guided many couples with unexplained infertility. In this blog, we will talk about what unexplained infertility means, possible hidden causes, treatment options, and more.

What Is Unexplained Infertility?

Unexplained infertility is when a couple is not able to get pregnant even when all their test results are normal. The woman has regular periods, her eggs are fine, her fallopian tubes are open, and the man’s sperm is healthy but still they cannot get pregnant. Doctors call it “unexplained” because they don’t find a clear reason for it.

Sometimes there are problems like low egg quality, stress, or thyroid and infertility issues that may not be revealed in basic tests. So, it’s very important to visit your doctor and get every test done. There are many couples with unexplained infertility who still conceive healthy babies with the right treatment.

What Causes Unexplained Infertility?

Unexplained infertility means that every test is normal but still both the partners cannot get pregnant. Sometimes, the reasons are too small and cannot be seen in regular tests.

Here are some possible causes of unexplained infertility:

Minor hormone imbalances (including thyroid and infertility)
Poor egg or sperm quality
Problems with how the egg and sperm meet
Issues with the embryo developing properly
The uterus not allowing the embryo to attach
Stress and emotional health
Lifestyle habits like poor diet, smoking, or lack of exercise
Age-related fertility decline, especially in women over 35 years of age

Unexplained Infertility Symptoms

Unexplained infertility is difficult to diagnose because it does not have clear symptoms. It is usually diagnosed when couples try to conceive for a year or more without success and the test results are also normal.

However, there can still be some small signs that may be missed:

If you’re facing issues in getting pregnant even after 12 months of trying.
You have regular periods but still pregnancy is not happening.
You have mild hormonal imbalance (such as thyroid issues) that doesn’t show up clearly in tests.
You are feeling stressed, anxious, or emotionally tired from trying
There is no obvious medical cause found in your test reports

Common Tests Done Before Diagnosis

Doctors check infertility with normal tests if there is any known reason for not getting pregnant. They check the health of the eggs, sperm, uterus, fallopian tubes, and hormone levels like thyroid. If all reports are normal but pregnancy still doesn’t happen then it is called unexplained infertility.

Here are some common tests which are done:

Ovulation Tests – It helps to check if the woman is releasing eggs regularly.
Ultrasound Scan – This helps to check the uterus and ovaries for any issues like cysts or fibroids.
Blood Tests – This helps to check hormone levels, including thyroid hormones, which are important in fertility.
Semen Analysis – This test helps to check sperm count, shape, and movement.
HSG (Hysterosalpingography) – This is a special X-ray to check if the fallopian tubes are open.
AMH Test – This helps to measure the ovarian reserve (how many eggs are left).
TSH/Thyroid Function Test – This helps to check if the thyroid is working properly because thyroid and infertility are connected.

Treatment For Unexplained Infertility

Unexplained infertility treatment helps couples to improve their chances to get pregnant when no clear reason is found. This is when doctors use methods that help in natural conception or assist reproduction.

Here are some common treatment options for Unexplained Infertility:

Lifestyle changes: It’s important to eat healthy, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy weight to naturally improve fertility.
Fertility medications: There are some women who are given medicines like Clomiphene to help the ovaries to release eggs regularly.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): This process helps to place healthy sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of pregnancy.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): IVF is often suggested if simple treatments don’t work. It helps to combine egg and sperm in a lab and then places the embryo into the uterus.

When to Choose IUI or IVF?

There are many factors to keep in mind when choosing between IUI and IVF during unexplained infertility. Things like age, how long you’ve been trying, and test results (including thyroid and infertility tests) play a major role. Doctors usually suggest starting with the least complex treatment first because the exact cause is not known.

When to Choose IUI (Intrauterine Insemination):

If you are under 35 years old and have been trying for less than 2 years.
If your fallopian tubes are open, your partner’s sperm is healthy, and thyroid levels are normal.
IUI is often done by giving fertility medicines to increase egg release.
If you prefer a less expensive and less invasive option.

When to Choose IVF (In Vitro Fertilization):

If you are over 35 years or have been trying for more than 2–3 years.
If IUI cycles have failed or time is limited due to age.
IVF for unexplained infertility is also a good option if your thyroid and infertility issues need more controlled monitoring.
If other hidden issues like egg quality, embryo problems, or mild endometriosis are there.

Lifestyle Tips to Improve Fertility

It’s very important to take care of your lifestyle to improve your fertility. There are some simple changes which you can do in your daily life to balance hormones and support your body to get ready for pregnancy.

Here are some easy lifestyle tips to boost fertility:

Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Keep a healthy weight, not too low or too high
Exercise regularly but avoid overdoing it
Reduce stress by doing meditation or deep breathing
Get enough sleep every night
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs
Visit your doctor regularly to check thyroid and hormone health

Final Words

Unexplained infertility can be very difficult for couples who are trying to start a family. In this blog, we’ve discussed what it means, possible causes, and symptoms. We have also explained about the tests that are usually done before getting a diagnosis. We also covered available treatment options, when to go for IUI or IVF, and simple lifestyle tips that may support fertility.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples through the right treatment. If you have questions or need support, feel free to call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at [email protected].

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What blood test is done for unexplained infertility?

Hormone tests like TSH (thyroid), FSH, LH, AMH, and prolactin are usually done to check if your body is working well for pregnancy.

What is the success rate of unexplained fertility?

Many couples do conceive—either naturally or with treatments like IUI or IVF. Success depends on age, health, and treatment type.

Can I get pregnant naturally with unexplained infertility?

Yes, some couples still conceive naturally, even without knowing the exact reason behind the delay.

What is the best fertility treatment for unexplained infertility?

Doctors may suggest ovulation medicines, IUI, or IVF depending on your case and how long you’ve been trying.

Why am I not getting pregnant when all tests are normal?

Sometimes, small issues not seen in tests can affect fertility. That’s why it’s called “unexplained infertility.”