Secondary infertility is when you didn’t have any problems conceiving the first time around but then have trouble getting pregnant again. It doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you or your partner, but it very likely indicates there are issues with the uterus or fallopian tubes that need to be resolved before another pregnancy can occur.
Infertility is a frustrating and heartbreaking condition. When you’re trying to have your first baby, the more you learn about infertility and the treatment options that are available, the better equipped you’ll be to help take control of your situation. There’s no getting around the fact that secondary infertility can be devastating. But don’t lose hope. There are treatments available, and it helps to get educated about what causes secondary infertility, too.
How Common Is Secondary Infertility?
If you’ve already got one or more kids, it’s great news: You’re less likely to experience infertility. If you try for a second time, however, it can be trickier. Based on data from the National Survey of Family Growth, about 6 percent of women who had at least one birth are unable to get pregnant after one year of trying. If you’ve been trying for a second pregnancy for nine months or longer and don’t show any signs of progress, it might be time to see your doctor and find ways to improve your chances—including boosting your odds with fertility treatments and taking control of your health with diet and exercise.
Causes of Secondary Infertility
For anyone struggling to conceive, the experience can be both mentally and physically exhausting. It’s frustrating to experience hurdles on the journey to expanding your family—and you probably have a lot of questions about why this is happening.
Since it’s normal for women to encounter problems as their age increases, if you’re over 35 and having difficulty conceiving after a normal pregnancy, it’s most likely due to the typical decline in egg quality. It’s possible that treatment options for secondary infertility may vary from those recommended for primary infertility.
Here are some of the more common reasons a couple may have trouble conceiving after having one child:
- As women age, they may notice that it takes longer to get pregnant or that their chances of conception diminish. Williams says this is normal and a result of declining egg quality with increasing female age.
- Reproductive and general health issues. Williams says that a woman who has endometriosis, uterine fibroids or another condition affecting her reproductive system may be more likely to experience secondary infertility.
- A man’s fertility may decrease as he ages and other health issues arise, such as diabetes or hypertension.
When to See a Doctor About Secondary Infertility
When you’re expecting your second baby, it’s important to know when to seek help from your doctor. While many people get lucky the first time around, or take only six or eight months to conceive, sometimes it can take much longer. If you’ve been trying for more than a year without success, a visit to a specialist might help sort out any other underlying issues that could be standing in the way of your pregnancy. The sooner you start treatment, the better—especially if something is contributing to secondary infertility in your case or if there has been a major change in your health since previously conceiving.
If you or your partner has had significant changes to your health since previously conceiving, a trip to the doctor’s office may be warranted sooner rather than later. You may even get referred to a fertility specialist for diagnosis.
Tips for Coping With Secondary Infertility
When people who have had one child experience difficulties conceiving again, it can be frustrating, stressful and confusing.
Although it can be emotionally and physically draining, dealing with secondary infertility is possible.
- Even though you may be an experienced parent, struggling with infertility can still be difficult on your body and mind.
- In addition to joining a support group, reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in helping those facing infertility.
- You must take care of yourself in order to be your best. Eat well and exercise regularly; find other ways (acupuncture, massage) to decrease stress
- You don’t need to wait too long. Be proactive to advocate for yourself and your family.
