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Secondary Infertility: Causes & Solutions
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Disclosure
The information provided here serves as a general guide and does not constitute medical advice. We strongly advise consulting a certified fertility expert for professional assessment and personalized treatment recommendations.
Synopsis
Experiencing secondary infertility can be a painful experience for any couple. It is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy after already having one or more children naturally. Although it is more often than people realise, it is nevertheless largely unanticipated and distressing. Secondary infertility can happen to both men and women and is a result of different factors, including age, lifestyle, medical issues or changes in reproductive health. Couples facing secondary infertility Nepal often struggle silently, but medical advances now provide hope for diagnosis and treatment.
The article dives into causes, diagnosis, and available solutions, and also provides support on the topic of professional help.
What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility means that a woman cannot get pregnant or is unable to carry a pregnancy to term after she has already given birth. The use of fertility medicines or treatments, such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), should not have been involved in the birth preceding the diagnosis of secondary infertility in order for it to be considered. It can occur in women who had no issues in their first pregnancy but are now unable to conceive again, or in men whose sperm health may have declined since their partner’s earlier pregnancy.
Indeed, the problem can be either transient or chronic and can be brought about by a mixture of physical, lifestyle, and ageing factors.
Causes of Secondary Infertility
Understanding the causes of secondary infertility is the first step toward finding the right treatment and emotional support. Several medical conditions could be the primary reason for the secondary infertility, including:
- Age-related decline - Fertility decreases with age naturally, especially in women after 35, the main reason being that eggs not only reduce in quantity but also in quality.
- Ovulation problems - Some of the reasons may include hormonal imbalance or irregular cycles, which affect the release of the egg.
- Fallopian tube damage - The fertilised egg cannot reach the uterus if the fallopian tubes are obstructed or scarred. Endometriosis or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) might be the cause.
- Uterine conditions - The uterus or cervix abnormalities caused by fibroids or cervical stenosis may also create the issue of implantation, making it difficult for growth and development.
- Weight and lifestyle changes - Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity, can also contribute to secondary infertility.
- Complications from previous pregnancy or birth - Along with tubal ligation for birth control or removal of the ovaries by surgery, there are other methods which bring about secondary infertility in women.
Secondary Infertility Causes in Men
Male factors contribute to secondary infertility just as often as female factors.
- Low testosterone levels - Getting older, genital injuries, or diseases such as infections, diabetes, or some blood disorders can cause hormone levels to decline and thus affect fertility.
- Declining sperm quality - As men get older, sperm quality may decline, which may lead to sperm of abnormal shapes or reduced functions that make it difficult to conceive.
- Prostate issues - The removal of the prostate, an organ that produces seminal fluid, can lead to problems with normal ejaculation and sperm transportation.
- Lifestyle factors - Smoking, drinking heavily, being overweight, getting stressed, and having a bad diet all have negative effects on sperm health.
- Heat and chemical exposure - Sperm and reproductive organs can be harmed if a person is exposed to high temperatures, industrial chemicals, or pesticides frequently.
These factors highlight why men should also undergo evaluation when facing secondary infertility.
Risk Factors that Increase the Chances
Certain factors may result in secondary infertility, such as:
- Older age at the time of conception (above 35 years)
- Major weight gain or loss that has happened after the first pregnancy
- Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders
- High stress levels affect hormonal balance
- Exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants
How is Secondary Infertility Diagnosed?
It would be advisable to see a fertility specialist if you have not been able to conceive successfully for more than a year (if you are over 35). A comprehensive check-up can reveal what the problem is and lead you to the appropriate treatment. Inquiries about history and carrying out basic fertility testing on both partners will be the first steps that doctors take.
Diagnosis may include:
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels are carried out.
- Ultrasound is used for the evaluation of reproductive organs to detect any abnormalities.
- Semen analysis to evaluate the quality and quantity of sperm in men.
- An X-ray called hysterosalpingography (HSG) is used to view the uterus and fallopian tubes.
- Checking the pelvic region for any potential uterine anomalies.
Preliminary assessment fast-tracks the process of making the right decision without any unnecessary waiting time.
Treatment Options for Secondary Infertility
Best treatment options for secondary infertility depends on the cause and may include:
- Medications - Your fertility specialist may suggest a number of medications, hormone therapy, antioxidants, and anti-ageing supplements that can elevate sperm count and encourage ovulation.
- Lifestyle modifications - Your doctor may suggest several lifestyle changes, including limited alcohol consumption, daily exercise, weight control, stress management, etc., to supply all the nutrients and opportunities your body needs in order to get pregnant.
- Ovulation support - For women with irregular cycles, egg release can be stimulated.
- Surgical options - For some infertility cases, surgery can be performed to fix the structural problems, such as the removal of scar tissue, polyps, and fibroids from the uterus in women or sperm retrieval in men.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) - Women who have infertility that cannot be explained or who are unable to conceive through conventional sexual activity due to illnesses like endometriosis or cancer can also adopt this approach of avoiding conception.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) - When previous infertility treatments have failed or when there are several contributing causes to infertility, such as low sperm count and blocked fallopian tubes, IVF is the most recommended alternative.
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) - ICSI & IVF are generally suggested when the problem is a male factor that leads to infertility, or just to elevate the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Dealing with Emotional Challenges
The emotional journey might be difficult due to secondary infertility, which can cause worry, guilt, and sadness. Therapy sessions and being open with partners to build a stronger relationship are two things that assist and aid someone going through the struggle. Additionally, learning about the medical aspects and the potential remedies for the condition helps to ease the feeling of panic and encourages the feeling of hope. With counselling, medical care, and partner support, couples can focus on overcoming secondary infertility with renewed hope.
Why Choose Indira IVF?
If you wish to overcome the infertility issue with a second pregnancy, Indira IVF can be the best option for you. At Indira IVF, patients benefit from:
- Knowledgeable and experienced fertility experts who are offering personalised care.
- Correct diagnosis and treatment with the use of contemporary technologies to enhance the success of the patients.
- Individualised fertility therapy according to each couple's needs.
- 24-hour emotional and counselling support throughout the process.
- Ethical, non-intrusive methods with the needs of the patients coming first.
Make the next move with confidence. Book a consultation now and allow Indira IVF to help you achieve parenthood once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or sustain a pregnancy to term, after already giving birth previously with no assistance.
What are the common causes of secondary infertility?
Age, issues with ovulation, tubes, uterus, sperm, and changes in lifestyle are common factors.
Can lifestyle changes improve secondary infertility?
Certainly, a healthy diet, relaxation, and avoidance of smoking/drinking can be beneficial to reproductive health.
When should I seek medical help for secondary infertility?
If the couple has been trying to conceive for a year or longer - if the woman is over 35- and no results have been obtained, that is the decisive factor. Another sign is the emergence of symptoms related to reproductive system dysfunction.
Is secondary infertility treatable?
Indeed, many couples will be able to get pregnant again after the successful diagnosis and creation of a custom treatment plan for them.
