It’s Not Always Better The Second Time Around
Secondary infertility is a term not widely used or known. Yet, this issue impacts hundreds of thousands of couples trying to conceive. Infertility is a common medical condition signified by an inability to get pregnant after at least 12 months of consistent unprotected sexual intercourse. The alarming discovery is that infertility can happen to adults who have children. Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after having at least a single child. Of the many cases of infertility, about 14% represent secondary infertility. By understanding this challenge impacting hopeful parents, the appropriate treatment can be used for improved success rates.
Causes of secondary infertility in women
Infertility usually occurs when something internal or external disrupts the reproductive system, which can happen at any time. Therefore, the causes of secondary infertility are roughly the same. Advanced reproductive age is a major cause of secondary infertility. For instance, women over 40 have fewer high-quality eggs or may have a diminished reserve. Obesity or excessive weight gain over time disrupts reproductive health. Women can develop conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or damaged fallopian tubes. Uterine conditions, such as scarring developed from a past pregnancy, can cause secondary infertility as well.
Men experience secondary infertility, too
There is a common myth that infertility is primarily a woman's concern. However, men are infertile at similar rates to women. Advanced ages can lower sperm quantity and reduce quality, leading to difficulties in achieving pregnancy. Physical conditions that restrict sperm production, like varicocele, can lead to secondary infertility. Lifestyle factors like excessive weight gain, a lack of exercise, or exposure to environmental toxins are other known reasons. Studies show that alcohol, recreational drug abuse, or certain medications can lead to male secondary infertility.
Diagnosing and understanding secondary infertility
The path to answers and solutions starts with a visit to a fertility clinic or reproductive specialist. The diagnostic process is the same for secondary infertility as those used for primary infertility. Both couples would require a physical examination and blood tests to review hormones and other potential reasons. A review of past diseases or lifestyle habits can reveal potential causes of secondary infertility. Men can benefit from sperm analysis, which can estimate sperm quality and quantity. Women, on the other hand, may need ultrasounds to assess the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. These tests can paint a comprehensive picture of secondary infertility. A treatment plan can then help patients going forward.
What are your options?
The treatments for secondary infertility are the same as primary infertility. For instance, lifestyle changes or the use of hormone medications can improve fertility, leading to higher rates of conception. However, based on factors such as age or current fertility challenges, doctors can recommend moving to assisted reproductive technology (ART) as soon as possible. These include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). With IVF, egg and sperm samples are used to create embryos. The fertility team will transfer a single embryo to the woman's uterus at the appropriate time. Secondary infertility patients often need additional support during ART. The use of donor eggs, donor sperm, or surrogates can increase success rates. Work with the fertility team to learn and cope with the many requirements and challenges of these options.
Start a fertility conversation today
Secondary infertility can feel confusing and overwhelming. Couples struggle to cope with the fact that getting pregnant was easy before but difficult now. Infertility can happen at any stage of an individual's reproductive age. Some cases are reversible, while others need support, like IVF, to achieve pregnancy. Medical professionals help secondary infertility patients daily, developing personalized treatment plans to address specific fertility challenges. Work with the appropriate team to gain a deeper understanding of the condition. Then, move forward with confidence, knowing there are treatments, solutions, and reproductive technologies available.
