Unexplained infertility is exactly what it sounds like — it describes the inability to conceive for reasons that a provider is unable to diagnose. People of any gender or biology can be diagnosed with unexplained infertility, and the diagnosis usually comes after everything else has been ruled out, including blocked tubes, fibroids, low egg reserve, low sperm count due to lifestyle or hormonal challenges, etc.
Diagnosing Unexplained Infertility
Technically, you may be diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” after one year of attempting conception without a successful positive pregnancy test. However, that medical definition comes from working with heterosexual, cisgender couples. For the LGBTQ+ community, your provider may choose to diagnose you with unexplained infertility much sooner (or much later).
For example, if you have had six intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles but aren’t yet pregnant, your provider may give you an unexplained infertility diagnosis. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), of couples experiencing infertility, up to 30% are diagnosed with unexplained infertility after a standard evaluation.
Unexplained Infertility Treatment Options
A diagnosis of unexplained infertility does not mean it’s the end of the road. If your provider believes the issue is in how the sperm and egg are interacting, it may be time to graduate to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Within IVF are a variety of additional options you can pursue, including:
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which assists with fertilization by injecting the sperm directly into the egg
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which assesses embryos for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities
- Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA), which determines the most optimal time for embryo transfer
- ReceptivaDX, which tests the endometrial lining of the uterus for signs of inflammation
- ZyMōt sperm separation, which delivers the highest-quality semen sample possible without using sperm-damaging centrifugation
In some cases, your fertility specialist may recommend using third-party reproduction, which encompasses donor eggs, donor sperm, and gestational surrogacy.
Regardless of whether you and your provider are ever able to “explain” your infertility, we will work tirelessly with you to find a pathway forward so you can achieve your dream of parenthood.
