Treatment options

Details the treatment options available tocouples with unexplained infertility.

By Dr. Marcus | Last Updated February 14, 2010 9:53 PM GMT

Unexplained infertility

There are several treatment options available to couples with unexplained infertility. Treatment options may include one of the following techniques: the wait and see approach, intrauterine insemination, GIFT, IVF and ZIFT.

The wait and see approach (expectant management)

Without treatment about 50% of the infertile couples will conceive within 3 years, this will depend on many factors such as: the women's age, duration of infertility, previous pregnancy, etc.

Ovarian stimulation with Clomiphene Citrate

Women with unexplained infertility may have higher pregnancy rates if they take Clomiphene tablets. It works by correcting subtle ovulatory problems and encouraging the development of many follicles.

Intrauterine insemination with or without ovarian stimulation

It overcomes hostile cervical factors and ensures close proximity of sperm and egg. Intrauterine insemination may be as effective as IVF, less invasive, and less costly.

GIFT

IVF

IVF treatment is widely accepted for unexplained infertility with live birth rates between 15-30%. IVF bypasses unknown potential fertility problems.

IVF is preferred to GIFT because it provides information about fertilization. In addition, it avoids laparoscopy with its associated risks and may be performed under a local anesthetic and thus avoiding a general anaesthetic.