One myth about unexplained infertility is that it may be caused by a hereditary thrombophilia, a mutation in a gene such as prothrombin, MTHFR or Factor V Leiden, mutations that can predispose an individual to abnormal blood clotting. They have also been postulated as a cause of recurrent early miscarriage. Neither cause-and-effect relatioship has been proven and most authorities do not believe one exists. Now there is additional evidence that these mutations do not cause unexplained infertility. A study reported in the December issue of Fertility & Sterility found no significant difference in the prevalance of these mutations in 100 women with unexplained infertility compared to a fertile control group of 200 women.
There is a saying in medicine, "If you hear hoofbeats, don't think of zebras." This concept can now be considered a zebra.
