Secondary Infertility – Causes and Remedies

Secondary infertility is a term used to describe a condition where a woman who was able to conceive naturally in the past has difficulty conceiving another child. This is a fairly common problem that can be attributed to a number of factors such as low sperm count, endometriosis, damaged fallopian tubes, ovulation problems, fibroids or change in partner.

In some cases, medical tests indicate that the cause of secondary infertility is a combination of factors shared by both partners.

Age as a Cause of Secondary Infertility

The most common cause of secondary infertility may be age. There is a marked decrease in fertility by 35 years of age. By age 45 the chances of natural conception are extremely low. Thus the possibility of becoming pregnant decreases with rising age. Moreover, a woman's eggs suffer chromosomal damage as they age; the older the eggs, the less likely they are to become fertilized or go to term. Some women also go through menopause at an early age; this may also be a cause of secondary infertility.

Some experts in the field of human reproduction have suggested that male fertility is also affected by age and that male fertility starts declining after the age of 35.

Stress and Secondary Infertility

Stress may also be a factor affecting fertility. Studies show that if a man already has a low sperm count, stress worsens this condition. While stress itself does not cause infertility, the process of "trying" to become pregnant can be stressful, especially on your relationship. The stress levels are often the result of infertility, not the cause of it.

Diet and Lifestyle

Being either underweight or overweight can affect fertility. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol has also been found to affect fertility.

Chronic Illness

Chronic illness can also lead to secondary infertility. High blood pressure, diabetes and asthma can affect fertility. Sometimes chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer can reduce a person’s fertility.

Remedies for Secondary Infertility

There are a number of steps that can be taken when confronted with secondary infertility to improve chances of conception. The first obvious step is for both the partners to get a complete medical check up done.

Things may change after the birth of the first child. For instance one of the partners could now have a low sperm count; hormones could be out of sync etc. Taking control of the situation and opting for the right line of treatment will help in surmounting the condition.

If faced with fibroids, endometriosis, vaginal infections and pelvic adhesions – all potential causes of secondary infertility - get treatment for these issues which can sometimes successfully cure infertility.

Fertility treatments may be the next line of treatment for curing secondary infertility. A referral to a reproductive endocrinologist for appropriate treatment may be necessary. Initially the fertility specialist will prescribe medications to help conceive another child. If this proves ineffective, more advanced treatments may be necessary.

On a Positive Note

The good news is that secondary infertility is more likely to be treatable than primary infertility. Consult with a specialist, and faithfully follow the prescribed treatment plan, and you can be sure that you'll have another baby soon.

East Bay Fertility Center, Dublin, California (www.ebfertility.com) has an experienced team of doctors headed by Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr Ellen Snowden and offers the most comprehensive line of treatment and intervention for secondary infertility. East Bay Fertility Center makes sure that couples who have been facing problems conceiving a second time will successfully overcome the problem in the shortest possible time and realize their dreams of having a healthy baby. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.