Infertility is an inability to become pregnant within a year of regular trying to conceive. Around 15%-30% of couples have unexplained infertility. In these couples, all routine tests are normal. Doctors are unable to find a cause for infertility.

I have a story to share which will give you hope if you are presently unable to become pregnant.

In my practise as an Obstetrician, I remember seeing a lady in my clinic. She was in her early thirties. She came for a consultation as she was having tummy pains.

As I was talking to her, trying to find out what was causing the pain, I asked her when she had her last period.

She replied that it was two months back. I asked her if she had done a pregnancy test.

She said there was no chance of pregnancy. I assumed that this was because she was not currently with her husband and I left it at that.

I examined her and then did an ultrasound scan. I could see a baby in her womb, around 8 weeks old with a heart beat.

I turned the scanner towards her and showed it to her.

I can never forget the expression on her face. It was disbelief, shock, happiness and so much more.

She told me her story.

She had been married for around 6-7 years. She had been for many tests as she was unable to get pregnant. All the tests were normal.

She had 5 cycles of IVF, all of which failed.

She had given up hope, resigning to the fact that she was not destined to have children.

This was a natural pregnancy in a lady who had completely lost hope that she would ever become pregnant.

With this hopeful streak, let’s look into the journey ahead if you have been told that you have unexplained infertility.

If you are unable to conceive after a year you should see your GP.

Your GP would ask some relevant questions, perform an examination and then refer to a specialist.

If you have any issues that may impact fertility, like if the female partner is above 35 years of age, or either partner has had cancer treatment, you should see your GP after 6 months of trying to conceive.

Routine tests are done for all couples with infertility.

If there is nothing suggestive of causing infertility in history or examination, and all of the above tests come back as normal, you call it unexplained infertility.

In many cases, you will go on to have a spontaneous pregnancy, without any treatment or help. You need to be aware that chances of natural pregnancy are increased in younger couples with a short duration of infertility.

 If you and your doctor decide to wait and watch and not start any treatment:

Younger couples have a higher success rate.

However, chances of pregnancy decrease with infertility of more than 3 years duration and in women over the age of 30 years.

Some doctors and couples may decide to go for IVF straight away.

There is no standardized approach. The above is an update based on numerous studies.

Different centres may follow other protocols and individualized approach.

While waiting for a natural pregnancy, or IVF, natural steps may increase the chances of conception.

Alcohol and smoking has a negative effect on fertility.

Waiting for a pregnancy can be stressful and puts a strain on the relationship between partners. Family and friends can help. Support groups can provide valuable support and advice.

Dua, or supplication, is the best way to reach out to our Creator.

This is the dua of Zakarriya (peace be upon him).

If you have been through IVF and not conceived, you may want to look into adoption. There are many Islamic rulings regarding adoption and you may need to consult a religious scholar.

I hope I have provided some clarity on what to expect.

Stay positive, make lots of dua and know with certainty that Allah swt will give you what is best for you at a time appointed by Him.