All about Secondary Infertility And Reasons To Happens

You gave birth to a baby once, naturally and without any serious complications. You have tried again, but nothing is going on. When this is what you hear, you could be having a case of secondary infertility. When some couples find it difficult to conceive a second child, many of them are shocked and even surprised. It is more prevalent than people imagine. This blog aims to describe secondary infertility, its causes and options available to deal with it.

What Is Secondary Infertility?

Secondary infertility denotes the failure to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term once a child had been born, in the absence of fertility treatment. It can occur in men and women, and is diagnosed when a couple has been trying for more than 12 months (or 6 months, in case of a woman, who is above 35).

In contrast to primary infertility (when a couple never had a child), secondary infertility is accompanied by an additional complication of emotions, especially when a couple has previously conceived.

How Common Is It?

Secondary infertility is not as rare as most people may think. Indeed, it is impacting as many as 30 per cent of couples that are undergoing fertility treatment. The causes tend to be the same as with primary infertility, but other reasons may arise as one grows old or due to a lifestyle change.

Common Causes of Secondary Infertility

1. Age-Related Decline

Although you used to be fertile, fertility tends to decrease as you age. In women, there is a significant decline in egg quantity and quality after the age of 35. In men, the quality of sperm also declines, although at a slower rate.

2. Weight Changes

Hormonal imbalance can occur in case of substantial weight gain or loss since your last pregnancy. Ovulation may be disrupted by being either overweight or underweight, or it may interfere with sperm health.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS may occur or exacerbate with time. It leads to irregular menstruation and hormonal imbalance, and you find it challenging to conceive despite having had a smooth first pregnancy.

4. Pelvic Infections or Endometriosis

The uterus or fallopian tube may be damaged by infections or untreated endometriosis, which results in infertility at a later age. Implantation may also be affected by scarring as a result of surgeries or a C-section.

5. Changes in Sperm Health

The quality of sperm may alter because of:

• Age
• Using smoking or alcohol
• Hypertension or diabetes
• Exposure to heat (laptops, saunas)
• Side effects of drugs

Although there might be no problems with the male partner, he might require a new semen analysis.

6. Thyroid and Hormonal Imbalances

A significant role in regulating reproductive hormones is performed by the thyroid gland. Without checking thyroid levels, one may have irregular periods and fertility problems.

7. Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Work-induced emotional stress, parental stress, or life events can raise cortisol and influence fertility hormones. Sleep deprivation, poor nutrition and an inactive lifestyle are also factors.

8. Unknown (Unexplained) Causes

In other instances, the tests are regular when all the tests are done, but conception does not occur. This is called unexplained secondary infertility and can still respond to such treatments as IUI or IVF.

Conclusion

Secondary infertility may be as complicated medically and emotionally as primary infertility. However, the encouraging part is that it is curable. Many couples with the proper support, identification and treatment give birth to their second (or third) child.