ABOUT THE STUDY

What is Unexplained Infertility?

Experts define unexplained infertility as infertility in couples where:

  • The female partner has normal ovarian function, fallopian tubes, uterus, and pelvis.

  • The male partner has normal sperm quality and reproductive anatomy.

Unexplained infertility affects up to 30% of infertile couples, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Unexplained infertility is diagnosed after a complete medical evaluation is unable to find any reasonable cause for a patient’s infertility.

In some cases, eggs may appear healthy and successfully fertilized, but genetic factors may prevent the resulting embryos from developing normally. Our study aims to uncover how common these genetic factors are and discover new ones using a cutting edge technique called whole genome sequencing.

How Does Our Study Work?

The goal of our research is twofold:

  1. To determine if genetic testing focused on known fertility-related genes can help diagnose and manage unexplained infertility.

  2. To identify new genetic causes of infertility by studying the entire genome.

Who Can Join the Study?

  1. A woman between 18-35 years old.

  2. Diagnosed with unexplained infertility by an OB- GYN or IVF doctor.

You may be eligible if you are:

  1. Review of medical history: We will review your medical records, family history, and other relevant health information.

  2. Providing a saliva sample: This sample will allow us to study your DNA.

What Will Participation Involve?

How Will We Use Your DNA?

  • If we find changes in genes already known to cause infertility, we’ll confirm them with a clinical test and share the results with you.

  • If no changes are found in these known genes, we’ll use whole genome sequencing to explore the rest of your DNA for new potential causes of infertility.

Genes are sections of DNA that act as instructions for how your body functions. Many genes are essential for the proper development of female reproductive organs (like ovaries and uterus) and for producing healthy eggs.

By participating, you’ll contribute to groundbreaking research that could help others— and yourself—better understand unexplained infertility.