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What Is Unexplained Infertility and What Are the Treatment Options?

Infertility is a condition in which a couple can’t conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. Infertility has many possible causes, including medical conditions in the woman, man, or both partners. However, the cause of infertility is sometimes said to be unexplained, which means testing uncovers no medical problems in either partner.

Unexplained infertility can be terribly frustrating. However, even without a diagnosis, couples with unexplained infertility who undergo treatment may be able to have children.

The caring specialists at California Center for Reproductive Health help couples with various types of infertility, including unexplained infertility, become parents. Read on to learn more about unexplained infertility and the treatment options available.

About unexplained infertility

Infertility is a common medical condition. According to RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy.

When a couple can’t get pregnant, they undergo a series of tests looking for what may be causing their infertility. A couple receives a diagnosis of unexplained infertility when no cause can be found.

It’s a myth that infertility is primarily due to medical problems in the woman. In fact, about one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third is attributed to the male partner, and one-third is either unexplained or caused by a combination of problems in both partners.

Treatment for unexplained infertility

You may think unexplained infertility can’t be treated because there’s no known problem to fix. However, assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as the following may help bring about pregnancy even when the cause is unknown:

Fertility drugs

Medication can sometimes bring about pregnancy in cases of unexplained infertility. For example, women may be prescribed clomiphene citrate or other drugs that stimulate hormones and trigger ovulation.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

IUI is a procedure in which a man’s sperm is “washed” and placed directly in a woman’s vagina or uterus during ovulation. IUI may be used alone or in conjunction with fertility drugs.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

During IVF, a woman’s eggs and a man’s sperm are retrieved from their bodies and brought together for fertilization in a laboratory. Once fertilized, the egg or eggs are transferred to the woman’s uterus.

IVF, which can use eggs and sperm from the couple or from donors, is the most effective form of ART.

Help for unexplained infertility

At California Center for Reproductive Health, we offer couples the most advanced infertility care. Our caring team provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. Our goal is to help you have the family of your dreams.

To find out how we can help you, call your nearest Los Angeles-area clinic in Encino, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Valencia, California, or use the easy online tool to schedule a visit with one of our specialists.