Definitions and relevance of unexplained infertility in reproductive medicine

Abstract

Infertility is customarily defined as failure of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected regular intercourse. However, after extensive evaluation of both partners, 20-30 % of infertile couples remain childless without identifiable causes, according to the routinely used tests, and such a category is known as unexplained infertility (UI). Potential etiologies of UI encompass couple’s miscomprehension of the concept of the female fertile window, improper coital techniques, erectile dysfunction, as well as molecular and functional causes of male and female infertility. Contemporary advanced technologies have demonstrated various ultrastructural, molecular, and genetic etiologies in male or female partners with UI. This book is aimed to analyze the full spectrum of UI problems from the presentation of the very basic science studies of male and female reproductive system to the detailed examination of the potential male and female causes of UI. Further insight is contemplated into the treatment options ranging from expectant management to active interventions.