It’s Not You, It’s Secondary Infertility
Some couples are surprised to discover that infertility can happen at any stage in life. For instance, couples with children conceived naturally can fail to do so again. Secondary infertility occurs when an individual or couple is unable to conceive after having at least 1 child. The rate of secondary infertility is similar to primary infertility, with at least 11% of couples dealing with this condition. Secondary infertility brings additional challenges and can disrupt plans for expanding families. A deeper understanding of this issue and the possible solutions can help couples face secondary infertility with confidence and hope.
Why it’s so hard to conceive a second child
The reasons and risk factors for secondary infertility are no different for primary infertility. The reproductive health of an individual is subject to change over time. Age is perhaps the biggest contributor. Women and men experience declining fertility over time. Couples typically attempt to have additional children at later ages but may be doing so with impaired fertility. Changes in reproductive health can also develop due to disease, previous surgeries, cancer treatment, or injury. Environmental and lifestyle damage can lead to infertility, although the couple conceived prior. Sometimes, the reason is simply unexplained. Whatever the underlying cause, doctors recommend seeking advice and treatment as soon as possible.
What should you do next?
A doctor can perform an assessment to determine the root cause of infertility. Sometimes, the underlying cause is already known, for instance, a previous surgery or cancer treatment. If there is no known cause, a blood test or physical examination can reveal more information. For male-related infertility, tests can reveal issues with sperm or a physical blockage, like varicocele. Some women can have a diminished ovarian reserve, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or hormone problems. If testing reveals a potential cause of infertility, a personalized plan can improve fertility or help achieve pregnancy.
Possible treatment options
If there is a known issue, surgery or medication can help with treatment before attempting to conceive again. Secondary infertility may benefit from hormone medication and lifestyle changes. Adding supplemental reproductive hormones can improve sperm health or help with ovulation. This may be enough to conceive naturally. Some couples may need to go straight to assisted reproductive technology (ART) due to age or other underlying factors. Intrauterine insemination (IUI), along with hormone medication, can increase pregnancy rates. This procedure inserts a prepared sperm sample directly into the uterus at the ideal ovulation period. At least 3 cycles may be required, but IUI can be successful in certain cases. If IUI fails, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most effective follow-up treatment.
Secondary infertility and IVF
IVF has more control over pregnancy. The procedure creates multiple embryos outside the body using extracted eggs and a sperm sample. Injectable or oral hormone medication helps to create multiple mature follicles, which are then extracted at the ideal timeframe. The eggs are carefully combined with prepared sperm samples to create multiple embryos. After a few days, the best embryo is implanted via a non-invasive procedure. Women are also required to take hormone medication to prepare the uterine lining. IVF has better success rates than IUI and more control over the outcomes.
The hope and acceptance tightrope
There is an added layer of emotional stress that comes with secondary infertility. Couples must remain grounded with their current family while yearning to conceive again. There is also increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. A solid support system can help couples navigate the challenges of infertility. Couples considering treatment also need additional support. IVF can be expensive, and treatment can add a financial burden to the family. Furthermore, fertility treatment can take longer than expected or even fail, requiring donors or surrogates. Overall, emotions can impact success rates. Discuss the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of secondary infertility.
Don’t give up because of secondary infertility
Secondary infertility can be a confusing diagnosis. When the goal is having multiple children, couples expect a smooth journey. Yet, the possibility of becoming infertile at any point exists. Diagnosis and an effective treatment plan, which may include IUI or IVF, can help. IVF, in particular, has high success rates when there is a known cause of infertility. Doctors also recommend additional emotional support, such as talk therapy, to face the many requirements of IVF. The many challenges of this condition are valid and should be given the same support as primary infertility.
