Unexplained Infertility: Finally Explained

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

Have you been told your fertility tests are normal, but pregnancy still isn’t happening? What does unexplained infertility actually mean when it clearly feels like something is going on? And how do age, egg quality, sperm function, endometriosis, inflammation, and implantation issues factor into a diagnosis that can feel more frustrating than reassuring?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine takes a compassionate deep dive into unexplained infertility to explain how it’s diagnosed, why it affects so many patients, and what may be happening behind the scenes when standard fertility testing does not reveal a clear answer.

Listeners will learn the most common hidden contributors to unexplained infertility, treatment options, and when moving to IVF may be the most effective path forward.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[0:49] Dr. Lora Shahine’s personal fertility story

[3:06] How Diagnosis Works

[4:31] How Common is Unexplained Infertility?

[8:07] Possible Cause #1: Age & Fertility

[11:51] Possible Cause #2: Hidden Sperm Factors

[13:48] Possible Cause #3: Egg Quality Unknowns

[14:13] Possible Cause #4: Implantation Mysteries

[15:19] Possible Cause #5: Tubal Function Problems

[16:49] Possible Cause #6: Endometriosis Link

[19:233 Possible Cause #7: Inflammation and Lifestyle

[20:39] What to Do Next

[23:38] Treatment Plans: IUI vs IVF

[31:31] Wrap up and next steps

Resources mentioned: 

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

Join the Learn at Pinnacle app to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!

This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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