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The Term “Unexplained Infertility” is used to describe a couple’s fertility problem, where no clinical abnormalities appear present. For example, investigations of the female partner show a clear and acceptable laparoscopy, apparently normal ovulation and a normal semen analysis.

There can often be other factors involved in natural conception which cannot be explored at this level and may cause problems which are not visible to the eye. For example, fertilization of the egg and sperm, egg quality, capacitation (ejaculated sperm from mammals must undergo capacitation in order to fertilize an oocyte. Sperm become “fertilization competent” as they reside in the female reproductive tract through a series of physiological changes). Transport of the sperm from the cervix to the uterus is also an essential part of natural conception and things can go wrong at any point.

Often couples, who are experiencing fertility problems after a period of 12 month, will be referred to a specialist in this area who will recommend an initial programme of fertility treatment depending on their very specific case.

Unexplained infertility can often be one of the hardest to deal with. In other situations where a clear diagnosis of infertility is made on clinical observations, the couple often feel that they have something to relate to with regard to their fertility problem, be it a male or female problem. Women tend to feel more responsible than men with this label of infertility, as a clear sperm analysis often implies that a man is “off the hook". This is not the case for the reasons mentioned above and a couple should always consider their fertility problem to be one of joint responsibility in any case.

This information is not meant as and should not be taken as a replacement for medical advice