What Is Secondary Infertility? 5 Facts You Need to Know
Whenever you hear of a friend or family member having a baby, it stings a little. When you’re facing the struggle of infertility, you face a challenge that is not just physical, but emotional as well. You may be confused because you have other children…so what could be affecting your fertility now?
Actually, it could be secondary infertility. What is secondary infertility? We’ll go into detail and address your questions with five facts that you need to know.
What is Secondary Infertility and How Does It Differ From Primary Infertility?
If you have at least one child but are having difficulty conceiving another one, then you have secondary infertility.
Primary infertility occurs when a woman has been unable to get pregnant at all.
What Causes Secondary Infertility?
We will have to evaluate your individual case to give an accurate evaluation, but we’ll ask questions relating to:
- How old you are
- Any health conditions like endometriosis or PCOS
- Any weight changes
- Smoking
Now, let’s examine 5 facts you need to know about secondary infertility.
5 Facts About Secondary Infertility
1. Secondary Infertility Is as Common as Primary Infertility
How common is secondary infertility? It may surprise you to know that it’s just as common as primary infertility and affects 11% of American couples, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
2. Signs of Secondary Infertility Are Similar to Those of Primary Infertility
Secondary infertility means you cannot conceive even after you’ve had one or more children. If you’re under 35 and you’ve been trying to conceive for a year, we may need to test you for secondary infertility.
3. Often, There’s No One Cause of Secondary Infertility
It’s not unusual for multiple factors to play a role in secondary infertility. These can include:
- Complications from a previous surgery or pregnancy
- An issue with sperm or eggs
- Age
- Gaining weight
- Drinking alcohol to excess
- Smoking or vaping
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Certain medications
4. Several Factors Can Put You at Risk for Secondary Infertility
Everything from irregular menstrual cycles to sexually transmitted diseases can put you at risk for secondary infertility. When we work with you, we’ll evaluate your risk, and it may involve asking questions such as:
- Have you ever had a miscarriage?
- Do you have irregular periods?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance? (If you don’t know, we can discover the answer.)
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you been told you have endometriosis?
5. There Are Multiple Treatment Options for Secondary Infertility
We believe no one method of treatment works for everybody, and the correct treatment will depend upon getting an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your secondary infertility.
Some of our options involve:
- Treating underlying conditions – If you have endometriosis or PCOS, we can treat those health issues, which can give you a better chance of conceiving.
- Medications – If we find you’re not ovulating regularly, we can use medications to induce ovulation.
- Helping you cope with stress – Believe it or not, something like stress can impact your fertility. We can help you develop positive coping mechanisms. If stress is making it difficult to function in your everyday life, we recommend speaking to a professional counselor.
- Surgery for uterine-related conditions – For example, if you have fibroids, this could be affecting your fertility. We can conduct simple procedures to remove them, increasing your chances of pregnancy.
- IUI – Intrauterine insemination – While we don’t perform IUI, we do have a list of resources that can help you find the healthcare provider who’s right for you.
- IVF – In vitro fertilization – Likewise, we don’t conduct IVF, but we can point you in the right direction to find healthcare professionals who do.
Associates in Women’s Healthcare: Comprehensive Care for You at Every Stage of Life
Are you struggling with the emotional and physical challenge of infertility? Do you have irregular periods? Or maybe you’re just past due for your annual exam. Regardless of your needs, our compassionate, experienced team of OBGYNs in Raleigh is ready to serve you.
Your health is our priority, and we want to empower you with the knowledge you need to be an active partner in your healthcare. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
