What You Need to Know About Secondary Infertility

When you want to expand your family, you may never consider that having that second or third child could be difficult. You got pregnant the first time so quickly. So, what is different now?

Just like primary infertility, the reasons behind secondary infertility – trouble conceiving subsequent children – can be complicated. There can be complicating factors in either partner, or both, or even the frustrating “unexplained” reasons. Secondary fertility is just as common – about 10% of couples struggle with subsequent pregnancies.

What’s Behind Secondary Infertility

Many of the same reasons behind primary infertility are also at play here, but there are some underlying conditions specific to an inability to conceive after previously having a baby.

Possible Challenges for Subsequent Pregnancies

• Uterine Scarring. Isthmocele, inflammation in the uterus due to scarring, can be the result of a cesarean delivery with a previous pregnancy. This inflammation can affect implantation.
• Age. One thing is certain. Both you and your partner are older than when you had your other children. Age changes things. For women, egg supply and quality decline after the age of 30 and sharply after 35. With men, sperm quality also declines with age, beginning around 45 years old. Older dads also increase the chances of pregnancy problems, premature births, and developmental issues.
• Hormonal Fluctuations. It is normal for a woman to have hormonal changes. But for some, these changes can be more extreme, even potentially leading to premature menopause. Ovulation becomes unpredictable or nonexistent.
• Autoimmune Disorders. Autoimmune disorders cause the body to attack healthy tissues, including reproductive tissues.
• Thyroid Disorders. Endocrine disorders affect hormone production.
• Sexually Transmitted Disease. STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause permanent damage to fallopian tubes and the uterus.
• Endometriosis. What starts as a mild case of endometriosis can worsen over time. The scarring and adhesions caused can inhibit implantation.

Testing for Secondary Infertility

Many of the treatments available for primary infertility also apply when you have problems expanding your family. The first step to take is to have a thorough evaluation to help pinpoint a diagnosis. Not every case is clear-cut, but our fertility specialists can help shed some light. At the Palm Beach Fertility Center, we offer advanced testing such as blood tests, ultrasounds, uterine imaging, semen analysis and more.

Treatment Options

Our nationally recognized team will educate you and your partner on testing results and treatment options.

We can help you achieve your dreams with an individualized fertility treatment plan, including:

• Ovulation induction
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Donor sperm insemination
• EZIVF (less expensive alternative to IVF)
• Endometriosis surgery
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Don’t Wait Too Long

Passing time can continue to negatively affect your chances of pregnancy. You and your partner should consider fertility evaluations if you have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months or longer. Older couples should seek treatment sooner. If you are 35 or older, that timeframe shrinks to six months.

At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we combine advanced fertility treatments and state-of-the-art technology with compassion, support, and individualized care. Patients can rest assured they have access to the most advanced fertility treatments in our warm, supportive atmosphere.

You do not have to struggle alone. Our team is dedicated to helping you realize the family of your dreams.

Learn more about our services by calling us at (888) 819-5177 or contacting us through our online form.