Secondary Infertility - Frequently Asked QuestionsSecondary infertility is a frustrating and puzzling condition for women suffering from it. After all, you’ve conceived and given birth before, so what’s the problem? No doubt you have questions. This article will give you the answers you need to get help treating this fertility challenge. What exactly is this condition? It’s the inability to conceive after you’ve already given birth to at least one child. Fertility specialists estimate that about one-third of all infertility is experienced by women who have given birth before, so it’s more common than you might think. What causes this kind of infertility? One of the most frustrating aspects of secondary infertility is the seemingly endless list of causes. Here are just a few: • Age: Unfortunately Mother Nature and Father Time sometimes conspire to cause infertility as women enter their mid-30s—even if the woman feels fit and healthy. Why? Quite simply, because women are not born with an endless supply of quality eggs. The quantity and quality of eggs decrease as we age. Experts say if you’re between 35 and 39, see a doctor if you haven’t conceived after 6 months of trying. Women 40 and older should see a doctor if they haven’t gotten pregnant after 4 months. • Health changes: People –and their health status—change over time. For example, a woman who was healthy before her first 2 pregnancies might later develop a thyroid condition that makes conceiving another child difficult. Ask your doctor to check for underlying health conditions. • Fibroids: When the body produces too much estrogen, fibroids can form in the uterus, a condition that makes the womb a very unfriendly place for a fertilized egg to attach and grow. This problem often doesn’t affect women until they’re well into their 30s. • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): STDs are another sometimes surprising culprit. Although it’s not a subject most women like to think about, sexually transmitted diseases, like Chlamydia and gonorrhea, prevent pregnancy. Most women with infertility-causing STDs show no obvious symptoms. One study published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility found that 55% of women with secondary infertility tested positive for an STD, suggesting it’s a cause worth examining. • Lifestyle changes: Have you started smoking since your first pregnancy? Developed a prescription drug addiction or alcohol problem? Been exposed to chemicals, pesticides or other environmental hazards? Any of these factors make it harder for a woman to conceive and carry a baby to term. There is another reason you may have a problem becoming pregnant: you may have always had a fertility-challenging condition—but simply got lucky with the first conception. Is this just a woman’s problem? No! Men’s bodies change, too. A man who had the healthy sperm to conceive one child might develop a condition that lowers his fertility. Think injury to the testicles or drug addiction. If a couple experiences secondary infertility, both partners should be tested for underlying medical conditions and screened for unhealthy lifestyle habits. Are treatments available for this infertility diagnosis? Yes! Even though there are many potential causes for secondary infertility, there are also a number of treatments. Of course, the exact option of treatment depends on the cause. For example, if poor egg quality is a factor, you might consider implanting a donor egg. Other infertility solutions include: • Medications, known as fertility drugs, that stimulate ovulation • Treatment for present infections, such as Chlamydia or gonorrhea • In vitro fertilization (IVF) • Artificial insemination (AI), also called intrauterine insemination (IUI) • Surgery, such as a laparoscopic procedure to repair damaged fallopian tubes When medical treatments aren’t successful, some couples choose to grow their families through adoption. Are there things I can do at home to help boost my chances of conception? Start by getting a handle on your menstrual cycle. Download a free ovulation calendar from the web to help you track when ovulation. Also use cues from cervical mucus or basal body temperature (BBT) to identify different points in your cycle. And while over-the-counter ovulation kits can be pricey, they are a convenient way to pinpoint the best days to have baby-making sex. Remember to eat a diet rich in whole grains, good proteins, veggies, and fruits. And, as always, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. The #1 aspect of this kind of infertility no one talks about? It’s bad enough that you or someone you love is faced with conception challenges. Unfortunately, the most difficult part of infertility when you already have a child is the way others may treat you. It’s not unusual to be peppered with questions like: • “Why can’t you be happy with the healthy kids you have?” • “What did you expect when you decided to wait so long to have another?” • “Mommy, why can’t I have a little brother or sister?” Whether it’s intentional or not, the people we know and love can make the roller coaster of secondary infertility even more challenging. But you don’t need to shoulder the burden alone. Find a support group locally or online. While the group might not be able to take away the sting of someone else’s insensitive comment, it may provide the caring environment and emotional support you need. Infertility after a successful pregnancy is frustrating. But you can find treatment and support from a variety of sources. Start by talking to your doctor about treating your secondary infertility. Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding - Your FAQ Guide
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