Secondary Infertility: If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone
If you have had one or more pregnancies in the past, but are struggling to conceive again, it’s possible you are struggling with secondary infertility. Although confusing and often frustrating, secondary infertility is surprisingly common with approximately 11% of couples struggling with it at some point during their lifetime.
What Causes Secondary Infertility?
There are a number of reasons why couples may be struggling to conceive naturally. For some, there may be an underlying problem that has worsened over time, while for others it maybe you had an infection or operation since your last child, and it has affected your fertility. Whatever the cause, our specialists at Wessex Fertility do everything we can to find out what the problem is and help you conceive again. Some of the most common causes of infertility are listed below:
- Scarring to the womb or fallopian tubes from previous surgery.
- Your age. Fertility declines with age in women.
- Low sperm count, sperm production, sperm quality, and poor sperm motility. - Ovulation problems caused by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
- Certain treatments or medications, such as chemotherapy.
- Blockages or problems with your womb caused by fibroids.
If you are struggling with any of the above-mentioned points, it is worth making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you.
Seek Help Immediately If You Have the Following
Unfortunately, you are unlikely to be offered any tests or treatments for secondary infertility unless you have been trying to conceive through regular, unprotected intercourse for at least one year. However, if you experience any of the following, you need to seek help immediately from your doctor:
- You’ve had multiple miscarriages.
- If you have an existing medical condition that may affect your fertility.
- You have been diagnosed with endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
- You have known fertility problems.
- You menstruate irregularly or not at all.
- You have pain during intercourse.
- Your periods are very painful.
- You are over 35 years old and have been trying to conceive naturally for six months or more.
- You have undergone treatment for cancer.
Secondary infertility affects men just as much as it does women. So, it is important to go and see your doctor together as a couple so that he/she can carry out a detailed assessment in order to provide the most accurate diagnosis.
Be Honest About Your Secondary Infertility Struggles
When preparing to talk to a doctor and potentially undergo various fertility tests, it is natural to feel a bit nervous. Sometimes, it can feel awkward having fertility tests or answering person questions about your intimacy and your body. But it is important to be as honest as you can. Your doctor is there to help you, not to judge you. And the more you are honest about your struggles with secondary infertility, the better equipped your doctor is to properly advise your next steps.
What Happens if You Can’t Find the Cause?
Sometimes, unfortunately, there are cases of unexplained secondary infertility. This is where a cause cannot be found. Understandably, receiving a diagnosis of unexplained infertility can be confusing and disappointing for many couples.
However, it is important to remember that most couples struggling with unexplained infertility do eventually conceive naturally or with the help of fertility treatments. It is important not to give up hope. At Wessex Fertility, we keep supporting you even if you don’t get the answers you’d hoped for. We are with you throughout your infertility journey.
Treatments for Secondary Infertility
If you are struggling to conceive naturally, your doctor may point you to a fertility specialist. There are multiple treatments for secondary infertility, but the finding the right treatment for you will depend on your personal situation and medical requirements. Below is a list of the most common treatments for secondary infertility:
- Artificial insemination
- Sperm donation
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- Egg donation
The First Step in Your Fertility Journey
Are you struggling with secondary infertility? You need to know that you’re not alone. At Wessex Fertility we will work closely with you, listen to your needs, and be with you every step of your fertility journey. We know personally the heartbreak that infertility can cause and that’s why we have dedicated ourselves to helping couples have the families they’ve always dreamed of. Take the first step in your fertility journey today and book a consultation.
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