Overview
Unexplained Infertility is a diagnosis given when a couple is unable to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse despite having normal results on standard fertility tests. It affects up to 30% of infertile couples and can be emotionally and medically challenging. While the exact cause remains unknown, many treatment options are available to increase the chance of pregnancy.
What is Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained Infertility is a condition in which no specific reason for a couple’s infertility can be identified despite thorough evaluation. This includes normal ovulation, healthy sperm parameters, patent fallopian tubes, and an anatomically normal uterus. The diagnosis is made by exclusion, meaning all standard tests fail to uncover a clear barrier to conception. It does not mean there is no cause—only that it has not been identified with current testing methods.
Symptoms
- Inability to conceive after 12 months of trying (or 6 months for women over 35)
- No abnormal findings in ovulation, sperm quality, or reproductive anatomy
- Normal menstrual cycles in women
- No history of pelvic pain, endometriosis, or sexual dysfunction
- Often, there are no physical symptoms—infertility is the only noticeable sign
Causes
The exact cause of unexplained infertility remains undetected, but possible contributing factors may include:
- Subtle ovulatory disorders not captured by routine testing
- Mild endometriosis that does not cause symptoms
- Immune system dysfunction affecting embryo implantation
- Egg or sperm quality issues not detectable by standard lab tests
- Tubal function abnormalities (even if open, may not move the egg properly)
- Fertilization failure or problems with early embryo development
- Lifestyle or environmental factors (e.g., stress, toxins, poor diet)
Risk Factors
- Age, especially women over 35
- Subclinical ovulation problems
- Low ovarian reserve despite regular cycles
- Sperm DNA fragmentation not detected in routine semen analysis
- High-stress levels or lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, poor nutrition)
- Previous unsuccessful fertility treatments
- Being underweight or overweight
Complications
- Emotional stress, anxiety, and depression
- Delayed conception, which can reduce chances with age
- Unnecessary or invasive procedures in search of answers
- Financial burden from repeated fertility treatments
- Strain on relationships due to the uncertainty and prolonged efforts
- Risk of multiple births with certain treatments like IUI or IVF
Prevention
While unexplained infertility cannot be entirely prevented, maintaining reproductive health may improve overall fertility:
- Healthy lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs
- Maintain a healthy weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9)
- Reduce stress through mindfulness, therapy, or support groups
- Regular medical checkups, especially after age 30
- Early fertility evaluation for couples trying unsuccessfully after 6–12 months
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea is internationally recognized for its advanced fertility treatment programs, offering both standard and cutting-edge approaches for couples facing unexplained infertility:
- Lifestyle counseling and monitoring: Sometimes natural conception occurs after minor lifestyle changes
- Ovulation induction with timed intercourse: Using medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole to stimulate ovulation
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation to enhance fertilization chances
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): Fertilization occurs in the lab; embryos are transferred to the uterus—highly effective for unexplained infertility
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Used during IVF to inject a single sperm directly into the egg
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): Helps identify embryos with normal chromosomes
- Acupuncture and integrative therapies: Sometimes used alongside medical treatment to improve outcomes
- Advanced diagnostics: Such as endometrial receptivity testing and sperm DNA fragmentation analysis
With individualized treatment plans, state-of-the-art labs, and supportive care, fertility centers in Korea provide excellent success rates and compassionate support for couples dealing with unexplained infertility.
