Secondary infertility is defined as a couple’s inability to get pregnant and successfully carry the pregnancy to full term, even though they have been able to do so previously, either together or with a different partner. Many couples think that having one child means that they are fertile, will always be fertile, and can have more children whenever they want to in the future. Sadly, that is not true for all couples; as many as 60% of infertility cases are related to secondary infertility…
A HIDDEN ISSUE
Recent surveys have documented that more than two million couples struggle with secondary infertility. While most couples who experience primary infertility (they have never been able to conceive) seek out help through a reproductive specialist, couples who experience secondary infertility issues seldom seek out professional help.
GENERAL EXPLANATIONS
There are several general explanations for secondary infertility, including a previously fertile partner attempting to have a baby with a new significant other or an existing partner who has developed fertility issues since the last pregnancy. Other reasons for secondary infertility tend to be the same as those relating to primary infertility. Sometimes small variances in life can have some major consequences on a person’s reproductive health. For example, perhaps you have not been making healthy food choices or you have gained some weight since your last pregnancy. Maybe you or your partner has had an infection since the last time you were pregnant. In fact, there are a number of issues that could impact your reproductive health if several years have gone by since your last child was born, including:
- Age
- Even just a couple of years can alter a woman’s fertility and decrease egg quality. A few years can also make a difference in a man’s sperm. Over time, abnormalities with sperm may become an issue, including a decline in the motility or the concentration of the sperm.
- Endometriosis
- This is a common cause of secondary infertility in women. Endometriosis often worsens over time.
- Ovulation Issues
- Including irregular or no ovulation.
- Complications From Prior Pregnancies
- This may include scarring after the birth of your first child.
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes
- A presence or history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or pelvic infection increases the risk of blocked tubes.
- Uterine Polyps or Fibroids
- Non-cancerous tumors containing fibrous tissue that can cause infertility and repeated miscarriage.
- Recurring Miscarriages
- Blood and imaging tests are helpful in determining recurrent miscarriage due to uterine shape problems, blood clotting disorders, and possible hormonal imbalances.
- Male Factor Infertility
- Caused by low/absent sperm count or abnormal morphology (shape) or motility (movement).
- Increased Stress
- Stress can negatively impact both sperm production and ovulation.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
When couples with secondary infertility are unable to conceive, they often encounter a wide range of physical and emotional frustrations. Fertility issues, including secondary infertility, often put a strain on a relationship, and dealing with the added stress is difficult on many levels.
Communication can be very challenging; sometimes one partner is unwilling to discuss the issue, leaving the other partner feeling left out. Sometimes one partner talks on and on about the issue as a way to relieve stress and it becomes overwhelming for the other partner. Additional stress may come about when determining whether or not to push forward with infertility treatment.
SEEKING HELP
Since most people are unaware of secondary infertility as a reproductive health problem, getting appropriate support from parents, siblings, or friends may not be easy. Some folks may not understand your dreams of building your family to include two or more children; they may criticize your goals, saying that you should just be grateful for the child or children you already have. If that is the case, you may need to discuss the issue with those who are closest to you. You can help them understand why you need their support.
Sometimes couples find that therapy is helpful when dealing with the emotions that come with secondary infertility. In some locations, there may be a support group available that is specifically for people experiencing secondary infertility. You may find that a support group is a great help because you realize that you are not alone; you may also receive feedback that will help you cope when your feelings or your infertility treatments seem overwhelming.
FINDING ANSWERS
If you are trying to get pregnant again, but are having trouble conceiving, consider making an appointment with a reproductive specialist as soon as possible. Even though you make think your fertility is normal or fine, that may not be the case this time around. If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than 12 months (or 6 months if you are over the age of 35), it is time for both you and your partner to have a complete infertility workup.
Treatment for secondary infertility is the same as for someone with primary infertility. Whether or not you already have a child does not matter if you have not been successful in your current attempts to conceive. Now is the time to take action; consider obtaining specialized assistance at an infertility clinic. Our reproductive specialists and professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine are highly regarded for their high level of success in helping couples to conceive. At CORM, we make every attempt to ensure that the best care possible is given to every patient/couple undergoing infertility treatment. Providing the highest quality reproductive medicine is our goal!