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The terms "unexplained infertility", or "infertility of unknown causes" can engender a great deal of frustration for infertile couples. There is always a cause for infertility; however, science has not progressed to the point where all etiologies can be identified. Many advances have been made over the last fifteen years and the number of couples falling into the "unexplained infertility" category has declined.
As research proceeds, this number is expected to be reduced further. Great strides have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and it is now known that subtle abnormalities in sperm quality can lead to sub fertility. This is why the semen analysis is one of the most important components of the infertility evaluation; especially given that male factor is present in up to 47% of infertile couples.
Many couples with unexplained infertility eventually pursue in vitro fertilization often with intracytoplasmic sperm injection and assisted hatching. A major advantage of IVF is that it allows direct observation of fertilization and it is believed that a significant component of unexplained infertility is due to failed fertilization. One component is related to
the eggs ability to fertilize and develop into an embryo
that can implant into the uterine wall and develop into
a healthy fetus. There may also be an immunologic component
to unexplained infertility.
Usually,
one or more causes for a couple's infertility will be discovered in the infertility workup. It is absolutely essential that a complete,
thorough evaluation be performed by a fellowship trained
reproductive endocrinologist. These specialists are
trained to recognize subtle causes that may be missed
by those that do not specialize in infertility diagnosis
and treatment.
- Infertility-Discussion
- Female Infertility
- Overview by Mark Trolice, MD
- Male Factor Infertility
- Cervical Factor Infertility
- Endometriosis
- PCOS
- Ovulatory Dysfunction
- Tubal Factor Infertility
- Uterine Factor Infertility
- Infertility Overview- Samuel Thatcher, MD
- PRESERVING
REPRODUCTIVE OPTIONS IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS ,
by Bradford Kolb, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.,
Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
- THE
CONTEMPORARY FERTILITY EVALUATION, by Daniel Potter, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.,
Board Certified, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility,
Huntington Reproductive Center
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