CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
Secondary Infertility
Myth: If you have one child, you can easily have another child in the future.
Truth: Many infertility cases involve couples that have had children and are having difficulty conceiving their second or third child.
What is secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to conceive an additional (not necessarily second) child successfully and naturally. When a childless couple is unable to conceive, they tend to seek treatment. However, couples who already have children are much less likely to seek help because of the misconception that once you are fertile, you will always be fertile.
Why does secondary infertility happen?
Reasons for secondary infertility tend to be the same as primary infertility. Since the last pregnancy, the husband or wife may have gained some weight, had an infection, or started eating fewer healthy foods. These small variances in lifestyle can affect reproductive health. Additionally, if it has been a few years since the last child, the quality of eggs may have decreased, or the husband’s sperm may have undergone some changes. Abnormalities with sperm and ejaculate are frequently cited as causes of secondary infertility. Other common explanations for secondary infertility include:
- Ovulation disorders
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic adhesions
- Uterine fibroids and polyps
- Diminished ovarian reserve