Longing For Baby No. 2?
For many couples, having a child is one of the most joyous experiences in life. However, conceiving a second child may not come as easily for some. Despite being able to conceive and have a child in the past successfully, these couples may face challenges when trying to get pregnant again. This condition is known as secondary infertility. In short, secondary infertility refers to the inability of a couple to conceive a second child after having successfully conceived before. This form of infertility can be a frustrating and confusing experience for couples who have no previous issues with fertility. Here are 4 possible reasons for secondary infertility.
1. Look for age-related factors
Fertility naturally declines for the average woman with age. In short, the quality and quantity of eggs diminish, making pregnancy much more difficult. Age-related factors can affect both male and female fertility. Men can experience poor sperm health over time, leading to difficulties in conceiving. Some cases can also lead to recurrent pregnancy loss. Today, more couples are attempting to have children at later ages. Both partners must consider the impact of age when trying to conceive a second child.
2. Changes in health
With age also comes a natural decline in health. Changes in diet, lifestyle, or genetic dispositions can bring about different health challenges in later years. Some of these are related to reproductive health. Health conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sexually transmitted infections can impact reproductive health and the ability to conceive. Similarly, changes in the man’s health, such as a decrease in sperm quality or quantity, can also contribute to difficulties in conceiving a second child. A full medical check before attempting to conceive can help pinpoint and treat underlying health issues.
3. Lifestyle factors matter
Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or underweight can significantly affect fertility in both men and women. Stress, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can also play a role in reproductive health. Couples striving to have more children need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consider making changes to improve chances of conceiving. Even a short, simple improvement in health can make great strides to boost reproductive health.
4. Did you have previous pregnancy complications?
Complications during a previous pregnancy, such as experiencing a miscarriage or giving birth to a stillborn child, can have a significant impact on a woman’s reproductive system. For many, this may result in difficulties in conceiving a second child. These complications may have caused damage to the uterus or other reproductive organs, making conceiving harder for a woman in the future. These issues may require alternative options like donor sperm, donor eggs, or surrogacy.
What can you do?
If a couple has been trying to conceive a second child for a significant period of time without success, seeking medical guidance and fertility testing is recommended. This will help identify any underlying issues or factors contributing to secondary infertility and provide potential treatment options. The fertility specialist may also recommend lifestyle changes and/or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to increase the chances of conception. ART includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other forms of this technique. IVF continues to be the gold standard for couples, especially for those who age. Don’t get secondary infertility prevents growing a loving family. Seek advice and treatment, then move forward with confidence.
