You already have one child and are looking forward to adding another to your family. However, it can be difficult to become pregnant for the second time. And if you had no trouble conceiving your first child, it can be a surprise when you can’t get pregnant again. It can certainly be quite difficult to accept the fact that you are suffering from secondary infertility.
It is important to remember that the vast majority of people who seek help for fertility issues become pregnant. Also, it is vital to know the exact causes of secondary infertility. Run through this piece of article to learn more about the reasons, treatment options, and coping strategies.
What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility is the medical term for being unable to conceive again after having one or more children. It applies to women who have had at least one healthy pregnancy without the use of fertility treatments.
Secondary infertility is usually diagnosed after a couple has tried to conceive for 6 to 12 months without success.
What causes secondary infertility?
Infertility can be caused due to many different factors in both the male and female reproductive systems. However, explaining the causes of infertility is not always possible.
Female infertility can have many causes. Here are some of them:
- Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or complications of unsafe abortion, postpartum sepsis, or abdominal/pelvic surgery causing tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes.
- Uterine disorders that can be inflammatory in nature (like endometriosis), congenital in nature (like septate uterus), or benign in nature (like fibroids).
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome and other follicular disorders are one of the primary causes of infertility in females.
- Endocrine system disorders cause reproductive hormone imbalances. The endocrine system includes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Pituitary cancers and hypopituitarism are two common disorders affecting this system.
Besides, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity too can have an impact on fertility.
When should you decide to see a specialist?
Physicians frequently downplay the possibility of secondary infertility in previously fertile patients and encourage them to continue trying. Make a case for your fertility. If you and your partner have been actively trying to conceive for more than a year using unprotected intercourse, or if you are over 35 and have been actively trying for more than 6 months.
If you are above the age of 30 and have a medical history of pelvic inflammatory disease, painful periods, miscarriage, irregular cycles, or in case your partner has a low sperm count, do not wait for a year. It may be necessary to seek the advice of a specialist, such as a Reproductive Endocrinologist or Urologist, or a fertility expert at our infertility treatment center – Zivia.
Whatever the case, it is crucial to address the challenges and causes of infertility.
What are the possible treatment options for secondary infertility?
Your secondary infertility treatment plan will be determined by the causes of infertility, your age, how long you’ve been trying, and a number of personal decisions, including financial advantages and disadvantages.
Among the possible treatments are:
Medications: Fertility drugs, whether taken orally or intravenously, deliver various hormones that aid in ovulation stimulation. Medications can also help men with hormonal imbalances.
Surgery: Different surgeries can be used to treat fallopian tube blockage, fibroids, or other uterine problems. Certain procedures may also be used used to repair blocked or scarred tubes.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): IUI or artificial insemination is the process of injecting sperm directly into the uterus using a syringe.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): In an IVF procedure, eggs are fertilized in a lab with sperm before being inserted directly into the uterus.
Getting support and dealing with secondary infertility
Secondary infertility is a very isolating diagnosis because couples suffering from it are often hesitant to reach out to others, including support groups. They don’t have a support system of people who understand their frustration and feelings of guilt, anger, isolation, depression, jealousy, and being out of control.
The inability to produce a sibling for the existing child frequently causes feelings of sadness and complicates the current parenting role. You may feel estranged from friends because those who were a great source of support when you had your first child are now associated with feelings of pain and jealousy. There are others out there who are going through the same struggles and complex emotions that come with secondary infertility.
Don’t cope up all alone – Zivia has your back!
Secondary infertility can be an emotionally draining and frustrating situation for couples to face. But you don’t have to go through it alone. At Zivia, our team of experts are here to provide evidence-based advice tailored specifically to your needs and the causes of infertility.
We help guide you through the journey towards fulfilling your family’s dreams. We understand that every couple is unique, so we strive to give each couple personalized care and attention in a supportive environment so they can reach their goals together.So if you’re struggling with secondary infertility issues, consult our experts at Zivia today – because everyone deserves the chance for parenthood!