While infertility is a topic discussed every day, secondary infertility is not much talked about,whereas it is quite a common form of infertility. Secondary infertility is the inability to become pregnant second time, following the birth of one or more biological children. When Mukul Arora (36 name changed) a banking professional and his wife Neha Arora (33 name changed) a housewife had a boy in 2016 decided to complete his family with second child, got shocked to know that they can’t have baby second time as he has low sperm count which is causing problems in conceiving hence suffering from Secondary Infertility.
Causes of secondary infertility in both partners could be:
In women:
- Damage to fallopian tube due to ectopic pregnancies
- Complications during prior pregnancies such as a C-section
- Blockage which is caused by fibroids
- Increased maternal age and less production of eggs
- increased age, weight gain, excessive smoking and drinking
- use of certain medications
- Impaired sperm production and delivery
Similarly, Manleen Kaur Sethi in her mid 30’s when she started trying or second baby surprised to knowthat she can’t be pregnant now due to low ovarian reserve. “I didn’t realise that chances of getting pregnant reduce with age,”says Manleen, now 39 and pregnant with her second child after two rounds of IVF treatment at Shantah IVF Centre.
Though primary infertility normally receives attention, it is not the case with secondary infertility. Many women struggle to conceive their second baby after previously giving birth to their firstborn without difficulties.Secondary infertility can be very frustrating and confusing for a couple who got pregnant quickly in the past. I have seen lot of cases recently of
secondary infertility. I would say inactivity in women along with wrong eating habits, increases chances of primary infertility as well as secondary infertility. With urban lifestyle and dependency on fast food adding to the problem.
If one had their first child at the age of 35, and they want to try out for a second child at 36 and above, it can be a bit challenging because this is a time where their fertility has naturally declined significantly.
Also, blaming only women is not apt. Age of the male partner, men with BMIs over 30, which is considered obese, have a lower sperm count and negatively impacted fertility overall.
According to a study titled Fertility: assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems,published in the March 2013, edition of NICE Clinical Guideline. London; about 15 percent couples with unexplained fertility conceive naturally within a year.
Couples need to plan their pregnancies in a timely manner in order to stave off Secondary Infertility. They should avoid spacing out kids for more than three years.Women should preserve their eggs if they are thinking of delaying parenting. Couples should keep trying since 35 percent still have a chance to conceive naturally within two years. If a woman is under the age of 30 years, she has a higher chance of conceiving than a woman aged 30 years or more. Let’s not forget that age is an important factor and predictor of successful natural conception.
The doctors would offer you treatments on the basis of the causes of secondary infertility. The treatments for secondary infertility ranges from infertility medications to intrauterine insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination (IVF).Let’s not forget that the fact that you have already had a baby will certainly work in your favour. If you're struggling with secondary infertility, know you're not alone and that with modern medicine, quite a bit can be done, Just Don't give up.
