A diagnosis of unexplained infertility is made by a process of first excluding all other factors that can cause infertility problems. A couple who have been trying to conceive with regular unprotected sexual intercourse for two years and have been fully investigated are considered to have ‘unexplained fertility’.
This means that no identifiable cause has been found for their fertility problems. At this stage some couples may move to assisted conception techniques and should consider IVF. The NICE guidance does not recommend ovulation induction or IUI for couples who have unexplained fertility as this does not increase their chances of pregnancy.