Secondary Infertility
There are two types of infertility: Primary and Secondary. Primary infertility describes not being able to get pregnant, usually after 1 year of trying or in case the age of the woman is 35 or more. A woman’s fertility declines with age, sometimes it can be harder to get pregnant with a second child than it was with the first. When a woman has trouble getting pregnant on her own after a previously successful natural conception doctors refer to this as secondary infertility.
Sometimes secondary infertility maybe be related to a complication that occurred in your prior pregnancy or prior to delivery for e.g. damage to the uterus. However, most often, secondary infertility is caused by the same factors that would cause primary infertility — issues like advanced age, obesity, ovulation problems and so on. Just like primary infertility, secondary infertility can occur due to an issue at any point in the natural and somewhat complicated process required to become pregnant. Before you seek medical help try making some changes in your lifestyle to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Obesity: If you are overweight try losing weight and reaching your ideal BMI.
- Give up Smoking: Smoking ages your eggs and decreases fertility.
- Alcohol: This applies to both you and your partner. Too much of alcohol is detrimental not only to you but also to your partner’s sperm count and motility
- Make changes to your diet to improve your fertility and ovulation function. Focus on a balanced diet with leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and iron rich foods.
- Supplements like Folic acid, Vitamin D may be beneficial, but should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.
If lifestyle modifications do not help it is time to see your fertility specialist.
Causes Of Secondary Infertility:
- Irregular ovulation or anovulation
- Blocked Fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Immunological issues
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Adhesions
- Endometrial issues
- Male infertility
- Unexplained infertility
Secondary fertility can be treated with various fertility treatment options available today.
Treatments For Secondary Infertility:
If you had previously conceived easily, secondary infertility may be extremely frightening, depressing as well as complicated. Treatment for infertility first starts with identifying its cause. So, your doctor may recommend some investigations. These might involve:
- Blood tests to look at your hormone levels
- Ovulation tests
- A pelvic exam
- Checking the patency of your fallopian tubes
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Other tests to view your uterus and cervix
Based on the test results your doctor may advise any of the following treatments
- Laparoscopic Surgery in case required, to remove adhesions, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis etc.
- Fertility stimulating oral drugs followed by timed intercourse
- Fertility drugs or injections followed by Intra Uterine Insemination
- In Vitro Fertilisation – Embryo Transfer
- IVF-ET in combination with other ART options
Secondary infertility can take a physical and emotional toll on anyone, including you, your partner, and loved ones. Anger, sadness, and anxiety are common among parents struggling to expand their family. Having a child already doesn't make going through infertility any easier. It’s important to talk to your doctor or to a counsellor about all of your concerns, struggles, and goals. This way, you can be guided to the right resources that can help you along your journey to conceive again.
If you are facing the problem of secondary infertility and want to get pregnant, consult a fertility specialist immediately. This is a brief overview of secondary infertility. If you have any further queries, please reach us at
info@milann.co.in or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors call +91- 9513311897. We would be happy to be of assistance.
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