It is the most confusing phrase a doctor can say to a couple trying for a baby: "Everything looks normal." Your hormones are balanced. Your tubes are open. His sperm count is perfect. You are doing everything right—timing, diet, supplements. Yet, month after month, the test is negative. This is the reality of Unexplained Infertility, a diagnosis that affects approximately 15% to 30% of couples seeking help. Unlike a clear problem like "blocked tubes" or "low sperm count," unexplained infertility feels like fighting a ghost. You don't know what to fix because you don't know what is broken.

At Karetrip, we understand that "Unexplained" does not mean "Imagined." It simply means the cause is too subtle for standard tests to see. This guide digs deeper into what might be happening and how you can move forward.

What Does "Unexplained" Actually Mean?

In medical terms, Unexplained Infertility is a diagnosis of exclusion. It means you have passed the "Big Three" standard tests:

• Ovulation: You are releasing eggs regularly.
• Patency: Your fallopian tubes are unblocked (Hysterosalpingogram test).
• Semen Analysis: The sperm count and movement are normal.

If these are fine and you haven't conceived after 12 months (or 6 months if over 35), you get the "Unexplained" label. But that doesn't mean there isn't a cause.

The Hidden Culprits Standard Tests Miss

Standard fertility tests are like looking at a car from the outside—it looks fine, but the engine might have a small glitch. Here are the subtle issues that routine tests often miss:

1. Egg Quality (Not Just Quantity)

A blood test (AMH) tells us how many eggs you have, but it cannot tell us if they are healthy. Poor egg quality can lead to embryos that fail to fertilise or implant, even if ovulation happens on time.

2. Sperm DNA Fragmentation

A standard semen analysis checks if sperm are swimming. However, it doesn't check the DNA inside the sperm head. High levels of DNA damage (fragmentation) can fertilise an egg but lead to early arrest of the embryo.

3. Implantation Issues

Fertilisation might be happening, but the embryo fails to stick to the uterus lining. This can be due to subtle immunological issues, silent endometriosis, or the "window of implantation" being slightly off.

possible uterine or implantation-related factors.

So, What Can We Do?

The good news is that you don't always need to find the specific "cause" to achieve pregnancy. Treatment protocols for unexplained infertility are highly effective because they boost the entire reproductive process.

• Step 1: IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Doctors may combine ovulation medication (to release 2-3 eggs) with IUI (placing washed sperm directly in the uterus). This increases the targets and shortens the swim for the sperm.
• Step 2: IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): IVF is often diagnostic as well as curative. By fertilising the egg in the lab, embryologists can finally "see" where the problem lies—whether the shell of the egg is too thick or the sperm has trouble penetrating it.

Conclusion: You Are Not Out of Options

Receiving a diagnosis of Unexplained Infertility is frustrating, but it is not a dead end. In fact, couples with this diagnosis often respond well to treatment compared with some severe structural causes. The key is to move from "testing" to "action." At Karetrip, we help patients understand symptoms early—before complications develop. We assist with:

• Connecting you to male fertility and IVF specialists.
• Diagnostic planning and second opinions.
• Medical visas, travel, and accommodation.
• End-to-end patient support.

Concerned about your fertility metrics or need a second opinion? Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for clear guidance and next steps.

Medical Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog, including text, graphics, and images, is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fertility journeys are highly individual; the information here regarding "Unexplained Infertility" and treatments like IUI or IVF may not apply to every specific case. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified fertility specialist with any questions you may have regarding your reproductive health or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Karetrip website. Karetrip does not endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, or procedures mentioned herein. Reliance on any information provided by Karetrip is solely at your own risk.