Perhaps one of the most frustrating diagnoses is unexplained infertility. Even with all the testing that is available to couples today, there will be cases where doctors cannot determine the source of the infertility. The reasons for unexplained infertility vary widely, but many couples will suffer from a source that no one can explain. If you have been given a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, you may feel like nothing can be done to help you. This is not true.

While the cause of your infertility is not known, many practitioners will begin treatments starting with the basics. By attempting the less complicated fertility treatments and advancing toward the higher end of that scale, you will certainly be given every chance of conceiving. Sometimes in the course of treatment, usually IVF, the embryologist will notice something that may give some sort of an explanation. Some examples include a thickened zona, which prevents hatching of the blastocyst, or the failure of any of the eggs to fertilize. For this reason, some infertility doctors will recommend IVF as a diagnostic tool. You may or may not agree with this approach; in fact, some couples opt to continue trying to conceive naturally or opt for other methods of creating a family.

Whatever the cause of your infertility, having a clear picture of what is going on will help your RE treat you more effectively. It's not uncommon for the testing phase to last several weeks, or even a few months, as the specialist narrows down what the problem may be.