Secondary Infertility: Causes, Treatments, and Coping Strategies
What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after previously having a child. It’s considered infertility if a couple has been trying to conceive for at least a year without success. Unlike primary infertility, where the couple has never achieved a pregnancy, secondary infertility occurs after the couple has had one or more children.
Surprisingly, secondary infertility is quite common. Approximately one in seven couples experiences infertility, with those who already have children often facing more challenges in conceiving again compared to first-time parents.
When Should You Seek Help for Secondary Infertility?
Couples are generally advised to seek medical advice if they have been trying to conceive for over a year without success. However, if you’re over 35 or have known health conditions that could affect fertility, it’s wise to consult your GP sooner.
In cases where both partners are involved, it is crucial to approach the doctor as a couple. Fertility issues affect men and women nearly equally, and in 40% of cases, both partners contribute to the difficulty in conceiving.
How Can Your Doctor Help?
Your GP will start by asking a series of questions to identify any potential reasons for your difficulties in conceiving. These questions may cover:
- Previous pregnancies and childbirth experiences
- Frequency and timing of intercourse
- Past contraception use and cessation
- Personal and family medical history, including medications
- Lifestyle factors such as weight, exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol, and drug use
Both partners may undergo physical examinations. For women, this might involve checking for signs of pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, or endometriosis. For men, it might include examining the penis and testicles for abnormalities.
Also read: Safe Use Of Sleep Aids During Pregnancy
Based on these initial assessments, your GP may recommend further tests or refer you to a fertility specialist. Possible tests include:
- Ovulation tests
- Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia
- Hormone level checks
- Semen analysis for sperm count and quality
- Blood tests for rubella immunity
These assessments are crucial in pinpointing the exact cause of secondary infertility.
What Causes Secondary Infertility?
Several factors can contribute to secondary infertility. These may include:
- Sperm Issues: Low sperm count, poor motility, or ejaculation problems.
- Scarring: From previous surgeries affecting the womb or fallopian tubes.
- Medications and Treatments: Such as chemotherapy or certain drugs that affect fertility.
- Ovulation Disorders: Including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Endometriosis: Which can damage the reproductive organs.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Often caused by STIs.
- Fibroids: Benign growths that can block the fallopian tubes or affect the womb.
If any of these conditions are suspected, it’s advisable to seek medical advice promptly.
What Are the Chances of Success?
The chances of conceiving after experiencing secondary infertility vary. Generally, about half of the couples struggling to conceive will do so naturally within the second year of trying. Having a child before can be advantageous, especially when considering assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, which tend to have higher success rates for women who have previously conceived.
The treatment offered will depend on the underlying cause of infertility, if identified. Success rates vary based on factors like age and lifestyle.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help?
Improving lifestyle habits can enhance fertility in both men and women. Achieving a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding recreational drugs are essential steps. Women trying to conceive should abstain from alcohol, while men should stick to the recommended limit of 14 units per week.
Consult your GP about any medications you’re taking that might affect fertility.
What if No Cause is Found?
In some cases, the cause of secondary infertility remains unexplained. For about one in four couples, no clear reason is identified, but many still manage to conceive naturally or with the help of treatments like IVF. Having had a child before can increase the success rate of these treatments.
Exploring Other Options
If conceiving another biological child is not possible, couples may consider alternatives such as:
- Donor eggs or sperm
- Surrogacy
- Adoption
Counseling can help couples navigate these decisions and cope with the emotional challenges.
Seeking Support
Dealing with secondary infertility can be emotionally challenging. Counseling and support groups can provide valuable emotional support and reduce stress, potentially improving fertility outcomes.
Connecting with other couples facing similar challenges can be a source of comfort and strength. Join support groups to share experiences and gain insights from others who understand what you’re going through.
For Further Help: Consult your GP for medical advice and consider joining a secondary infertility support group to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Also read: The Impact Of Smoking Just A Few Cigarettes A Day During Pregnancy: What You Need To Know
