Although you may have had a child previously, or many, it does not mean that problems of infertility will not affect you. Secondary infertility, in which a woman is unable to conceive after having already conceived, affects approximately 1 in 20 couples in the United Kingdom – or 5% of the population.
What is secondary infertility, and why does it happen? We’ll look at why some parents’ fertility may be jeopardized, as well as what you should do if this concerns you.
What is Secondary Fertility?
Infertility is defined as a couple who has gone through year after year of trying to get pregnant without success. Infertility can be divided into two categories: primary, in which a couple or individual who has never had a kid is having trouble conceiving, and secondary, in which someone who has already conceived one or more children but is having difficulties getting pregnant again.
Secondary infertility is a lot more prevalent than you would believe, and it’s mostly seen in women who try to get pregnant again in their late 30s and early 40s. It can also be caused by secondary male infertility in around 8% of situations.
To be sure, even secondary infertility has treatment solutions such as insemination at home, egg and sperm donation, and so on, but first, let’s understand why it’s happening.
Why does it happen?
Secondary infertility is often regarded as a post-pregnancy problem, such as scarring of the uterus or damaged fallopian tubes, yet it is generally caused by the same causes that lead to primary fertility concerns. These include:
Ovulation Disorders
Ovulation difficulties (including irregular periods and a reduced egg supply), for example, may be caused by several factors that develop or progress after a prior pregnancy. PCOS, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and thyroid disease, among other endocrine problems that can interfere with hormone synthesis, are examples of these.
Problems with the Uterus or Fallopian Tubes
There are a number of health issues that can affect the uterus or fallopian tubes, making getting pregnant again difficult. A previous C-section or surgery, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or polyps are the most common reasons for secondary infertility. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also have a negative impact on fertility.
Low Sperm Count
Secondary infertility can result from problems with a man’s semen, particularly if he has suffered an injury, acquired infection, or been treated for cancer.
Ejaculation Issues
Even if a guy has already fathered a kid, obesity can have an impact. Diabetes, injury, surgery, and age are the most common reasons for early or delayed ejaculation.
Age
The key reason for secondary infertility is that female fertility declines as we age, so delaying another pregnancy is one of the most common causes. Female fertility begins to deteriorate around the age of 30, with egg quantity significantly decreasing by 40.
Secondary infertility is a term used to describe couples who are unable to conceive after already having one or more children. This can be due to a variety of reasons, many of which remain unknown. However, secondary infertility can be caused by problems with either the man or woman, and it may also be related to age. Treatment options at a fertility clinic in London vary depending on the underlying cause but may include fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
