Secondary Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Sometimes it may happen that after having the first child, it could be hard to get pregnant again. Well, there can be several reasons. Don’t worry; you are not alone here.

Secondary infertility is known as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after having the first birth. The last pregnancy has to have occurred naturally, without the use of fertility medicines or procedures like in vitro fertilisation, for it to be classified as secondary infertility. Usually, secondary infertility is identified after six to twelve months of unsuccessful trying to get pregnant. Recurrent pregnancy loss is when individuals and couples can conceive but cannot take the pregnancy to term.

Causes of Secondary Infertility

Infertility problems in either a male or female partner might be a contributing factor in secondary infertility. A third of all instances are attributable to women, whereas a second third is male. However, some of the common factors are as follows:

• Advanced maternal age (age 35 and older)
• Uterine conditions
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Impaired sperm production or the low-sperm count
• Damaged fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Certain medications
• Excessive weight gain
• Lifestyle factors, including smoking and heavy alcohol use

Diagnosis

Testing for primary infertility and secondary infertility are similar. Examining both women and men is necessary. The following may be considered in the diagnosis of secondary infertility:

• Considering medical information such as a history of pregnancy loss, the menstrual cycle, damage to the testes, past illness, surgeries, and many more.
• The second process is the examination which involves a pelvic exam to check the reproductive organ, including semen analysis, blood tests to check hormone insufficiency and many more.

Treatment and fertility options:

1. Fertility medications

Clomiphene (Clomid), follicle-stimulating hormone injections, and luteinizing hormone injections are the major treatments for females with ovulation issues. While the injections develop eggs and also trigger ovulation, Clomid causes ovulation.

Male infertility problems caused by hormonal imbalances may benefit from taking fertility medicines like clomiphene and other hormonal medications. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

2. Surgery

Women who have surgery may have their fibroids, endometrial growths, scarring, or uterine polyps removed. In some circumstances, a doctor may open a blocked fallopian tube surgically.

Male surgery could include:

• repair of a sperm transport system obstruction
• repair of enlarged veins in the spermatic cord after a vasectomy,

3. Assisted reproductive technology

If other treatment choices are unsuccessful, people may think to go for assisted reproductive technology to conceive. Several possibilities are:

• Collecting sperm,
• injecting one sperm into an egg
• mixing sperm with an egg outside of the body and later placing it in the uterus
• freezing eggs

Also Read: Journey of Patient with Benison IVF

The Takeaway

Anyone affected by secondary infertility, including you, your partner, and loved ones, might suffer physically and psychologically. It’s crucial to discuss all of your worries, challenges, and objectives with the best fertility specialist. Benison IVF is a leading clinic in Northern India that provides IVF services to infertile couples. We have our OPD centre, where you’ll find the best IVF services in Srinagar, Delhi, Jammu, Shimla, Haldwani, and Karnal. Get associated with us today!