Secondary infertility hurts, even when you already have children
For many one-time parents, the dream of expanding their family is thwarted by their inability to get pregnant again. Infertility isn’t a problem couples only face the first time they try to conceive. It can affect couples even after they’ve given birth to one or more children.
Known as secondary infertility, many couples are baffled, frustrated and heartbroken over their inability to get pregnant even though they had no trouble conceiving the first time. The reproductive endocrinologists at Fertility Associates of Memphis have vast experience working with couples challenged by secondary infertility.
We can offer answers, hope and successful treatment.
What causes secondary infertility?
One of the myths surrounding fertility is that once a couple gets pregnant with their first child, they won’t have trouble conceiving again. The truth is that secondary infertility can affect anyone at any time for a variety of reasons. It accounts for more than half of all infertility cases.
Secondary infertility shares many of the same causes of primary infertility (infertility without previous pregnancy).
- A woman’s fertility is directly impacted by age. As a woman ages, her egg quantity and quality declines, making pregnancy difficult the longer she waits. By the age of 37, a woman’s chances of conceiving drop drastically when compared to her 20s and early 30s.
- Fallopian tube damage, ovulation disorders, endometriosis and uterine conditions all affect fertility as well, and can develop over time.
- Being overweight, obese or underweight can interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. Women with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 and those with a BMI of less than 19 may experience problems such as ovulating irregularly or not at all. For men, excessive weight can negatively affect sperm production.
- Problems with sperm production and function due to changes in health or new medications can also cause secondary infertility.
When to see one of our Memphis fertility specialists for secondary infertility
As with primary infertility, our Fertility Associates of Memphis team recommends that women facing secondary infertility seek the advice of a fertility specialist if they are over 35 and haven’t conceived within six months of trying. Women under 35 should see a specialist if they haven’t conceived within one year.
If you’re experiencing secondary infertility, contact us to speak with one of our fertility specialists.
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