Secondary infertility is a condition where you are unable to conceive or become pregnant after you had given birth to a baby. More couples experience secondary infertility issues than primary infertility issues. There are several treatment options for secondary infertility based on the underlying cause.
To diagnose you with secondary infertility, you should be unsuccessful in trying to get pregnant for more than six months.
What are the Reasons for Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility can either be related to fertility problems in the male or female partner. One-third of secondary infertility is due to female infertility and the other one-third is due to the male partner. The remaining chances are due to a combination of both and other factors such as age, health condition, STD, etc.
The following are the causes of secondary infertility in females:
- Age: Women who are above the age of 35 are trying for a second pregnancy, and the chances of fertility gradually decline.
- Quality and quantity of eggs: The number of eggs in the ovaries gradually decreases at the age of 40s. Even the existing eggs may also have some chromosomal issues. On the other hand, some women with health issues such as genetic conditions may have a smaller number of good quality eggs.
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes: Certain health issues such as gonorrhea can block the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are responsible for carrying eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Due to the blocked fallopian tubes, the chances of pregnancy reduce.
- Endometriosis: It is a condition where the mucus membrane grows outside the uterus. This can lead to problems in conceiving a baby.
- Excess body weight: In some women, being overweight or underweight can cause ovulation problems such as ovarian dysfunction.
- PCOS: It is a hormonal problem where a woman will have excess male hormones and this affects the periods. This will also affect your fertility.
- Breastfeeding: In some cases, breastfeeding can stop the body from releasing eggs and thereby affecting fertility.
The reasons for male infertility include:
- Age: The semen quality gradually reduces at the age of 40s. The semen liquid carries the sperm and this can affect fertility.
- Removal of the prostate: The prostate gland may be removed to treat cancer and other conditions. This can make the sperm flow in a reverse direction.
- Testicular varicocele: It is one of the common causes of infertility in men. This condition causes the enlargement of scrotum veins and this can reduce sperm production.
- Prostate enlargement: If the prostate grows very large, the sperm count declines and affects ejaculation as well.
- Low levels of testosterone: Testosterone is important for sperm production. Genital injuries can reduce testosterone levels in males.
- Late-onset hypogonadism: This condition reduces the secretion of male hormones.
- Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to pesticides, industrial chemicals and lead can have an impact on male fertility.
Are There Any Signs of Secondary Infertility?
The inability to become pregnant for the second time is the most common sign of secondary infertility. If you or your partner is above 35 years and are unsuccessful at conceiving, then you might have secondary infertility issues. The signs vary based on the underlying cause.
Secondary infertility can be stressful and you should consider seeking a medical evaluation.
Different Treatment Options for Secondary Infertility
The treatment plan for secondary infertility is based on the underlying cause. The treatment is the same as the primary infertility treatment and this includes the following:
- Medications: Fertility drugs will be prescribed for women with ovulation problems to promote ovulation.
- Uterine surgery: Surgery can be performed to remove unwanted growths in the uterus that affect fertility such as polyps, fibroids, etc. In men, surgery is performed to treat testicular varicocele.
- IVF (In-vitro fertilization): The procedure involves collecting eggs from the uterus through surgery which is then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo will be transferred to the woman’s uterus to promote pregnancy. In an IVF, egg donors and sperm donors can also be used.
- IUI (Intrauterine insemination): In this procedure, sperm is directly inserted into the woman’s uterus. It is often performed in cases of low sperm quality and low sperm production. It is also suitable if a woman has unreceptive cervical mucus. In an IUI, a sperm donor can also be used.
- Supplements: Supplements such as anti-oxidants and anti-ageing supplements can be used to improve male fertility. Drug treatment can also promote sperm quality in males.
- Lifestyle changes: If infertility is caused by being overweight, then losing weight can help promote fertility.
Having Secondary Infertility Issues? Fertility Doctors at Angels Fertility Can Help You
If you or your partner have secondary infertility issues, then visiting Angels Fertility can be your right choice. We are recognised as the best fertility center in Hyderabad within a less span of time. Our fertility specialists can treat any kind of fertility issue in both men and women. Our recognized fertility specialists work closely with you to develop a personalized fertility treatment plan. To schedule an appointment, call us or fill out the form on the website.