Preparing for a second pregnancy can bring its own set of challenges, even if you’ve successfully conceived and given birth in the past. This article aims to provide you with all the necessary information about secondary infertility, its causes, and how to ensure a healthy pregnancy if you’re struggling to conceive again.
What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive or carry a child to term after previously experiencing natural pregnancies. If you’ve been unsuccessful in achieving pregnancy for six to twelve months despite having given birth naturally before, you or your partner may be facing secondary infertility.
Causes of Secondary Infertility
Both male and female fertility issues can contribute to secondary infertility. Approximately one-third of infertility cases are due to male factors, while some cases are caused by female factors. The remaining cases are either a combination of both partners’ issues or of unknown origin. The reasons for secondary infertility can vary between men and women.
Causes in Women:
1. Mature age: Women aged 35 or above experience a decline in egg quality and quantity.
2. Endometriosis: This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in other areas, such as the ovaries, and is a common cause of female infertility.
3. Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes: Infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to tube blockages, hindering the passage of eggs to the uterus.
4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disorder disrupts regular ovulation and menstruation due to elevated levels of male sex hormones (androgens).
5. Excessive weight gain: Weight gain can contribute to conditions like PCOS and other health issues that affect ovarian function in women.
Causes in Men:
1. Mature age: Men aged 40 or above typically experience decreased sperm production and semen quality.
2. Low testosterone levels: Aging or genital injuries can lead to reduced testosterone levels, which are crucial for sperm production.
3. Sperm abnormalities: Various factors, such as infections, testicular trauma, toxins, and more, can cause sperm to lose their typical shape or impair their ability to swim effectively, hindering fertilization.
4. Azoospermia: This condition refers to the absence of viable sperm in a man’s ejaculate.
5. Enlarged prostate: Prostate enlargement can decrease sperm count and restrict ejaculation.
6. Prostate removal: Surgical removal of the prostate gland during cancer treatment or other procedures can disrupt the flow of sperm.
7. Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH): This age-related syndrome leads to a reduction in male hormone secretion, including testosterone.
8. Varicocele: Faulty valves in the scrotum’s veins can cause varicocele, which negatively impacts sperm production and quality.
9. Excessive weight gain: Overweight men have a higher likelihood of having no sperm in their ejaculate or experiencing low sperm count.
In addition to these factors, medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and the medications used to treat them can cause hormonal imbalances in both men and women, leading to infertility.
Treating Secondary Infertility
If you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months or if you’re 35 years or older, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. They will help identify the root cause of the problem and recommend suitable treatment options for you and your partner.
Treatment options for women may include:
1. Clomid prescription: Clomid is an oral medication that stimulates egg production in women with ovulation issues.
2. Uterine surgery: Removal of uterine growths, such as scar tissue, polyps, or fibroids, that affect fertility
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3. Laparoscopic surgery: Repairing damaged or blocked fallopian tubes or removing fibroids and endometriosis using minimally invasive techniques.
4. In-vitro fertilization (IVF): This procedure involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos to the uterus.
Treatment options for men may include:
1. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): Inserting sperm directly into a woman’s uterus, which is beneficial for men with low sperm counts or poor sperm quality.
2. Testicular surgery: Correcting testicular varicocele, which can impact sperm quality and quantity.
3. Supplements: Taking antioxidant and anti-aging supplements to enhance male fertility, and considering drug therapy to improve sperm quality.
For individuals experiencing infertility due to excess weight gain, managing weight through strategies like diet control, regular exercise, and proper hydration can be beneficial. These lifestyle changes may also help with other conditions that contribute to infertility, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and stress.
Conclusion
Secondary infertility is a common issue for couples who have previously conceived naturally. Various lifestyle and health factors can contribute to this condition. If you suspect that you or your partner are facing secondary infertility, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with Apollo Fertility. Our team of experts will support you every step of the way on your journey back to parenthood.