Secondary infertility: The basics you need to know

You’ve had one child, and that has been a wonderful experience. Now, you’re ready to have another child, but after months or even years of trying, you haven’t been able to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term. This condition, which is called secondary infertility (SI), can be a very emotional one to deal with.

Learning some basic information about SI may help you deal with your emotions and with your second pregnancy difficulties. Before you dive into that, let’s address the major question you may be asking yourself: Is there anything that can be done for my secondary infertility? The answer is yes.

What is secondary infertility?

Secondary infertility is more common than you might think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 4 million families in the U.S. experience this issue. Couples dealing with SI are those who:

Have previously given birth without the help of fertility treatments.
Have not successfully gotten pregnant after having unprotected sex for six months (if age 35 or older) to one year (if younger than 35).
Have not been able to carry a second pregnancy to term.

Unfortunately, any couple may develop SI, but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of this condition. One of these factors is if one or both members of the couple has had pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Women who have irregular menstrual cycles or have had miscarriages may also be more likely to experience SI. Couples may also have an increased SI risk if the male has a low sperm count or if one or both members have a hormonal imbalance.

What causes secondary infertility?

Secondary infertility is a problem that can be caused by issues with the male partner, the female partner or both.

Some issues in the female partner that can lead to SI include:

Endometriosis.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Egg quality or quantity problems (most common after age 35).
Scars, blockages, or other structural issues with the uterus or fallopian tubes.

There are also specific issues that can affect the male partner and lead to SI. Some of these include:

Low sperm count.
Prostate enlargement or removal.
Poor semen quality (most common after age 40).
Testicular varicocele (an enlargement of the scrotum or testical skin veins).
Reduced testosterone levels due to aging, injury or other medical conditions.

In addition to male- and female-partner-specific issues, there are causes of SI that can affect both partners. Such causes include:

Age — Women over 35 and men over 40 may have an increased risk of issues that can lead to SI.

Increased weight — Both men and women who have a high body weight or body mass index (BMI) may be more likely to experience SI.

Taking certain medications — There are many medications that can inhibit sexual potency in both men and women.

Lifestyle factors — Smoking, excessive alcohol use and other lifestyle factors can increase a couple’s risk of SI.

If you or your partner are dealing with one or more of these SI causes, there are treatment options that can help.

What treatments can help you address secondary infertility?

As we mentioned, there are indeed treatment options for couples dealing with SI. However, it may not be a great idea to randomly start trying various treatments. You should find a specific treatment that’s the most likely to help you, and to do that, you should seek the help of a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist (REIS).

This type of doctor can meet with you, gather your and your partner’s medical history, and recommend testing that can pinpoint the specific SI cause or causes a specific couple must overcome. A REIS can also help you find specific treatment options that are designed to help treat specific SI causes. A few of the treatments your specialist may recommend include:

Ovulation induction medications such as clomiphene and letrozole.
Progesterone treatments for luteal phase deficiency (LPD).
Surgery or medication to treat endometriosis.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI).
In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Fertility Cloud offers at-home treatment for secondary infertility

At Fertility Cloud, we’ve developed an at-home fertility treatment model that offers comprehensive services for couples faced with many types of infertility, including SI. We can begin your care with a private online consultation with a board-certified fertility specialist. Then, we can help you evaluate your reproductive health with a variety of home testing options that can be mailed right to your door.

Fertility Cloud also offers additional online appointments so you can discuss your test results, get treatment recommendations from your specialist and check in with them as you go through your treatment process. We can even send your treatment kits and medications right to your home.

Ready to get started? Contact our team by phone today for more information or book an initial appointment online with one of our certified fertility specialists.

While we work hard to bring you the most accurate and relevant information available on fertility, it’s important to remember that each person’s journey is unique. The guidance provided here is intended for general knowledge and may not directly apply to your situation. Fertility challenges should always be discussed with a licensed medical professional who can offer personalized advice tailored to your individual health history and needs.

Beyond medical treatments, there are many ways to support your fertility naturally. Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can all play important roles in optimizing your fertility health. Simple changes such as managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation and prioritizing quality sleep can improve overall well-being and contribute to a more balanced approach to fertility. However, always consult a fertility specialist to get professional advice and recommendations suited to your personal circumstances. Your health and fertility are complex and unique, and professional guidance is essential to ensure you are on the right path for your body and your goals.