Unexplained infertility and the possibilities of management with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

The aetiology of idiopathic infertility largely appears to lie within the female genital tract. The causes may be related to psychological, hormonal or biological factors that could influence sexual behaviour or function of the cervix, uterus, tubes or ovaries. Carefully controlled prospective studies are needed to evaluate diagnoses and therapy. Management of cases of long-standing idiopathic infertility in an IVF programme is indicated if the pregnancy rates of the programme are greater than 10%, as it will aid in both diagnosing the underlying cause as well as offering a significantly higher chance of pregnancy than either expectancy or other treatments.