Getting Started
Unexplained infertility refers to cases where standard fertility tests appear normal, but pregnancy hasn’t occurred. It affects around 1 in 5 people undergoing fertility investigations. While the uncertainty can feel difficult, many people are able to conceive through treatment. As the UK’s leading fertility clinic, our specialist team offers clear guidance and tailored treatment options to improve your chances of conceiving.
Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when all routine fertility tests and ultrasound scans return normal results: ovulation appears regular, hormone levels are balanced, semen parameters are within expected ranges, and the fallopian tubes are open. Despite this, conception hasn’t yet happened.
Although the exact cause isn’t identifiable, several underlying factors may play a role, including:
Unexplained infertility does not mean there is no cause – only that routine tests can’t pinpoint it. Many of these hidden factors can be addressed through targeted treatment.
IVF is the recommended first-line treatment for unexplained infertility. It allows specialists to closely monitor fertilisation and embryo development, helping to spot any potential issues along the way.
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PGT-A is a genetic test that examines a small sample of cells from each embryo to identify those with chromosomal abnormalities, helping to avoid transferring embryos that have no chance of implanting successfully. This may be recommended for women in their late 30s to early 40s, or for those who have experienced repeated unexplained IVF failures.
If unexplained failures continue after several embryo transfers with high-quality embryos, our Implantation Clinic offers advanced testing focused on uterine, immunological and other factors that may affect implantation.
Many people with unexplained infertility go on to conceive either naturally or with support. The most effective treatment pathways focus on the stages where hidden issues are most likely to occur.
A diagnosis is made after completing all recommended investigations, which may include:
Assesses ovarian function, ovulation patterns and hormone levels such as AMH, FSH, LH and progesterone.
Evaluates sperm count, motility and morphology to rule out male factor infertility.
Checks ovarian activity, the uterus and the overall reproductive environment.
Confirms whether the fallopian tubes are open and functioning normally.
Explores factors such as age, cycle history, environment, stress and overall health.
PCOS looks different for everyone, which is why personalised care is essential.
Being told your infertility is “unexplained” can feel frustrating and uncertain. Even when initial tests appear normal, there are still evidence-based pathways to explore. Our team takes a thorough, individualised approach to help uncover potential factors and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment options.
If you’re unsure what’s causing your fertility challenges or want to explore how to treat unexplained infertility, our specialists are here to help. Book a fertility health assessment and take the next step on your path to parenthood.
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IVF helps overcome several potential hidden factors by closely managing each stage – egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo development, and transfer. It allows embryologists to identify the healthiest embryos, and treatment can be adjusted if issues arise during the process.
There are no specific symptoms of unexplained infertility. The only sign is difficulty getting pregnant despite normal test results and regular attempts at conception.
Yes. Many people with unexplained infertility do conceive naturally, particularly within the first one to two years of trying. However, treatment such as IVF can significantly improve your chances if natural conception hasn’t happened yet.
Unexplained infertility is diagnosed when standard tests show no clear cause. It may relate to subtle issues with egg quality, sperm function, fertilisation, embryo development or implantation – factors that routine tests can’t always detect.
Primary infertility refers to difficulty conceiving with no previous pregnancies. Secondary infertility describes difficulty conceiving again after having had a child.
A previous C-section can sometimes contribute to fertility challenges due to scar tissue, adhesions or changes to the uterus. However, it is only one of many possible factors, and most people with a C-section scar conceive again without difficulty.
Yes. Many people with secondary infertility do go on to conceive naturally or with treatment. Identifying the underlying cause is important in choosing the most effective pathway.
The key sign to secondary fertility is difficulty conceiving again after previously having a child. Other indicators can include irregular periods, pelvic pain, or symptoms that may suggest conditions like PCOS, endometriosis or fibroids.
Stay informed about the latest seminars, webinars and workshops on fertility and Unexplained Infertility.
Explore expert insights, personal stories and the latest research to guide you through every step of your journey.
David Williams OBE, Chair of JD Healthcare Group, has retired after more than 20 years of transformative leadership, guiding the growth of London Women’s Clinic from a single Harley Street clinic to over 20 UK locations. He leaves a lasting legacy of clinical excellence, mentorship, and dedication to both colleagues and patients.
On Saturday 18th April, 600 people walked through the doors of the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London for the fourth Familymakers Show — and the energy in the room felt like something that has been a long time in the making. Because in many ways, it has.
"If she hadn't made that phone call, I would never have known that embryo had a chance..." At 46, having already been through three IVF cycles and preparing to begin donor egg treatment, Ella had almost given up on the idea of becoming a mother using her own eggs. Then an embryologist at London Women's Clinic made a call that changed everything. This is the story of one frozen embryo, a DNA swab sent from overseas, and the four-year-old girl who is now the light of her mother's life — and why advances in genetic embryo testing are making the seemingly impossible possible.
Michelle was 39 when she walked into a London Women's Clinic open day, already certain of one thing: she didn't want to waste time. What followed was two IVF cycles, a devastating first round where no embryos were chromosomally normal, a mosaic result, and an embryo that came back from retesting as something extraordinary — euploid, chromosomally normal, and ready to become her daughter.
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