Causes of Unexplained Infertility

There are many possible causes of infertility. Diagnostic testing can reveal many obvious factors of infertility such as blocked fallopian tubes, abnormal sperm counts, and ovulation problems. However, diagnostic testing may not address more subtle factors that may be causing unexplained infertility, including inadequate egg quality, problems with embryo development, or embryo implantation issues.

Possible factors that can cause infertility, poor fertility, or delayed fertility and lead to an unexplained infertility diagnosis include:

• Abnormalities or disruptions in the woman’s luteal phase, the stage in the menstrual cycle that occurs after ovulation and relates to progesterone production
• Subtle abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries
• Release of an egg before it is mature, thereby not being able to be fertilized

Additionally, the timing and frequency of intercourse can significantly impact fertility. Timing frequent intercourse around predicted ovulation can lead to better chances of pregnancy. Women can use at-home ovulation testing kits for several months to gain a better understanding of their ovulation cycle. It is also recommended to have intercourse every other day during your most fertile time each month.

Sometimes, the causes behind unexplained infertility are related to lifestyle factors, and treatment can be as simple as making some changes to your lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) can help balance hormones within the body which can improve the chances of pregnancy. Providing your body with the proper nutrition and exercise, as well as avoiding excess alcohol, can aid in reaching a healthy BMI. Maintaining a tobacco-and-drug-free lifestyle can also improve the chances of conception.