Secondary infertility

Definition

Secondary infertility refers to a couple’s inability to conceive a child or carry a pregnancy to full term after they have successfully had one or more children. This condition can be caused by several factors, including age, medical conditions, complications from a previous pregnancy, or unknown issues. It can be a source of significant emotional distress and is often unexpected.

Key Takeaways

1. Secondary Infertility refers to a situation where a woman is unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after previously having a child. It doesn’t matter whether the previous birth ended in a live birth or a pregnancy loss.
2. Secondary Infertility can be caused by various factors. These can be the same issues that cause primary infertility such as problems with the eggs or sperm, a disease like endometriosis or complications related to pregnancy or delivery in the past. The age of the parents can also be a contributing factor.
3. Just like primary infertility, Secondary Infertility can usually be treated with fertility treatments like medication, Intrauterine insemination or In Vitro fertilization, depending on the reason behind it. Psychological support can also be beneficial as this condition can be emotionally challenging.

Importance

Secondary infertility is an important term in motherhood because it refers to a condition that impacts a significant number of women worldwide.

It is defined as a situation where a woman, despite having had one or more successful pregnancies in the past, finds it difficult to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term, often resulting in recurrent miscarriages.

Understanding and acknowledging secondary infertility is crucial because many women suffer from it in silence, thinking that they aren’t in need of, or eligible for, medical help since they’ve been able to conceive earlier.

This awareness can lead to timely medical intervention and emotional support, improving the chances of successful pregnancies and aiding potential parents in their journey toward expanding their families.

Explanation

Secondary infertility refers to a condition where a woman who has previously managed to conceive and bear a child naturally, suddenly finds it difficult to become pregnant again or carry a pregnancy to term. It serves to identify couples who may be experiencing unexpected difficulties when trying to expand their family, even though they’ve had one or more successful pregnancies before.

This term helps to differentiate this specific circumstance from primary infertility, which refers to couples who have never been able to conceive. The purpose of defining secondary infertility is crucial in aiding healthcare professionals to diagnose and offer appropriate fertility treatments.

It’s used to establish a clear context for the type of infertility issue, which helps provide the right counseling and support to affected couples. Moreover, by categorizing it separately from primary infertility, it acknowledges the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by these couples.

They have experienced parenthood before, but are now grappling with the unexpected inability to conceive again, which can often lead to feelings of confusion, guilt, and isolation. Therefore, the term secondary infertility serves a dual purpose – to guide medical intervention and to validate and address the emotional struggles associated with this condition.

Examples of Secondary infertility

Example One: Sarah and John were excited to have a second child to provide a sibling for their firstborn. They had no difficulties conceiving their first child, so they didn’t anticipate any issues with the second one. However, month after month, they were disappointed to not achieve a pregnancy. After undergoing medical examinations, they were diagnosed with secondary infertility, dealing with the surprise, frustration, and emotional complexities the diagnosis brought.

Example Two: Lisa, a single mother of a 5-year old boy, had been trying for another baby with great patience. She noticed her menstrual cycles had become irregular after she stopped breastfeeding her first child. Despite numerous attempts and implementing a healthy lifestyle, she was unable to conceive. Visiting the gynecologist, she was diagnosed with secondary infertility caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Example Three: David and Maria, parents to a 3-year old daughter, decided to expand their family. They conceived their first child easily, but this time, they hadn’t been successful after trying for about a year. They had a thorough medical checkup, and the doctors couldn’t find any obvious reasons for their infertility. They were shocked when they were diagnosed with unexplained secondary infertility, opening a challenging chapter in their parenthood journey.

FAQs on Secondary Infertility

What is Secondary Infertility?

Secondary infertility is the inability to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after you’ve already had a baby. It’s often defined as after a year of trying for a pregnancy without success.

What Causes Secondary Infertility?

Several factors can lead to secondary infertility, including age, fertility-reducing conditions or procedures undergone after your last birth, increased body mass index (BMI), or stress.

How Common is Secondary Infertility?

Secondary infertility is common and accounts for around 60% of infertility cases. It’s often unexpected and can be emotionally challenging.

How is Secondary Infertility Diagnosed?

Secondary infertility is diagnosed when a couple has been trying to conceive for a year without success. Diagnostic tests will vary based on individual circumstances and may include semen analysis, ovulation testing, hysterosalpingography, and ovarian reserve testing.

What Treatment Options are Available for Secondary Infertility?

Treatment options for secondary infertility are similar to those for primary infertility and can include fertility medication, intrauterine insemination, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology such as IVF.

Related Motherhood Terms

• Assisted Reproductive Technology
• Hormonal Imbalance
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Ovulation Disorders
• Tubal Infertility

Sources for More Information

• Mayo Clinic – This renowned hospital provides a large library of health-related articles, including ones on secondary infertility.
• WebMD – Another reputable site for medical information that describes secondary infertility in detail.
• Verywell Family – This site focuses on aspects of family health and wellness, making it a good source for secondary infertility information.
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – A well-known medical institution that provides quality health information, including articles on secondary infertility.