Secondary infertility can come as an unwelcome surprise for couples who have previously managed to conceive naturally and give birth without fertility issues. Every woman experience pregnancy differently. Moreover, a woman can experience all her pregnancies distinctly. Some couples face uncommon issues during their succeeding pregnancy after previous childbirth or any miscarriages. This condition is termed as second infertility.
What is the difference between Primary Infertility and Secondary Infertility?
Primary infertility is more commonly referred to as simply, infertility. Primary infertility is diagnosed when a couple fails to become pregnant after 6-12 months of trying. Secondary infertility is when a couple fails to become pregnant after successfully giving birth in the past.
The causes of primary and secondary infertility are nearly identical, but the emotional impact can be very different from each other. Fortunately, fertility treatments for primary and secondary infertility are the same and both have high success rates.
How common is secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is as common as primary infertility. Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples trying to conceive or about 10 percent.
Out of all infertility causes, secondary infertility makes up about 30 percent of all cases.
Causes of Secondary Infertility
Secondary infertility can be caused by issues with the female or male partner. About 33% of all infertility cases stem from issues with the female partner. Another 15-20% of cases stem from the male partner. The remaining 33% are a combination of issues from both the male and female partner.
Causes of secondary infertility in women
- Egg quality or quantity
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Lifestyle
- Decrease to ovarian reserve
- Ageing
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
Causes of secondary infertility in men
Male infertility is mainly caused by issues with their sperm, hormonal imbalances, or problems related to their reproductive anatomy.
- Low sperm count
- Sperm abnormalities
- Azoospermia
- Varicocele
- Anti-sperm antibodies
A C-Section can cause secondary infertility
Roughly 10% of women who gave birth via cesarean section reported difficulties getting pregnant with a second child. A C-section causes scarring and sometimes this scarring can cause inflammation or obstructions that can make becoming pregnant more difficult. Scar tissue can also grow and form large masses and cause endometriosis.
When should I see a doctor for secondary fertility?
The guidelines on when you should see a fertility doctor for secondary infertility are exactly the same as for any woman trying to get pregnant. You should seek the assistance of a fertility specialist if you are under 35 years old and trying to conceive for 12 months. It is recommended that you seek help after just 6 months of trying if you are 35 years old or older.
Can I get pregnant with secondary infertility?
The short answer is yes, you can get pregnant with secondary infertility, but you may need to seek out the assistance of a fertility doctor, and here’s why- while women over the age of 35 still have eggs left, it becomes more difficult to get pregnant because the eggs are of lower quality.
What type of treatment is available for women with secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is treatable, and many women diagnosed with it go on to have successful subsequent pregnancies. There are various treatment options based on the woman’s specific fertility profile, including Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), where sperm is inserted into a woman’s uterus at the time of ovulation. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is another option, where sperm and egg are fertilized outside the woman’s body and a resulting embryo is transferred back into the woman’s uterus in hopes of implantation.
No matter which treatment path you pursue, you should have hope that we are here for you and you can overcome secondary infertility with just a little bit of help.
Conclusion:
Secondary infertility can be an overwhelming experience. It can be tough to come to terms with it. However, you should not lose hope and stay positive because a variety of secondary infertility treatments are available. Most of the problems related to infertility can be identified and diagnosed by an experienced infertility treatment specialist.
Reach out to your doctor and understand your condition better. This will help you in deciding how to move forward with a sense of direction. With a few right steps, you could be on your way to having another child very soon.
For more information on secondary infertility issues, visit Aaradhya fertility Centre or Call us at 8886592229 or talk to us at https://bit.ly/AaradhyaChat
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