Unexplained infertility
The term unexplained infertility is defined as failure to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. Despite thorough investigations no apparent cause for the infertility was found.
Incidence
10-15% of couples but the actual figure depends upon the extent of investigations undertaken.
Causes
None, even after thorough investigations of both partners. However, possible causes include:
- Defective fimbriae, the fimbriae are unable to pick up the egg at ovulation.
- Sperm lacking the fertilizing capacity.
- Defective endometrium which does not allow the embryo to implant.
- Luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome when, the follicle fail to release the egg at ovulation and thus the egg is trapped inside the corpus luteum.
- Psychological
- Up to 40% of women with unexplained infertility may be due to immune problems (Putowski et al 2004).
Choi and colleagues from Columbia University Medical Centre (Journal of Reprod Med. 2011) , reported increased rates of celiac disease in women who present with unexplained infertility (5.9%). Though the study numbers are small, the findings suggest that, "Diagnosing celiac disease in an infertile woman would be beneficial if the low-cost and low-risk therapy of a gluten-free diet could improve chances for conception.