Have you ever found yourself grappling with the concept of “secondary infertility”? If this term is new to you, rest assured that you are not alone. Numerous couples face the daunting struggle of trying to conceive a second child.
Whether you have conquered fertility challenges before or are unexpectedly encountering hurdles on your second journey, grappling with secondary infertility can impose substantial emotional stress.
Amid this arduous battle, secondary infertility often leads to profound feelings of isolation. It might appear that all your friends, even those in your mother’s group and lively playground network, have effortlessly expanded their families with second, third, or fourth bundles of joy.
However, find comfort in knowing you are not alone walking this painful path. Others are running around the same maze of emotions and challenges. Your journey is shared, and support is available to uplift you during even the darkest moments.
Understanding The Contributing Factors
When it comes to secondary infertility, a complex interaction of factors can affect both men and women. The factors influencing secondary infertility are the same as those influencing primary fertility. Aspects such as age, weight, diet, exercise, lifestyle, stress levels, and existing or new medical conditions for both you and your partner can all impact your ability to conceive. Just because a man has fathered a child in the past does not guarantee that his sperm function remains unaffected over time.
Often, women blame themselves for secondary infertility issues, but the root cause might actually involve male infertility factors. Therefore, investigating both partners together is crucial to achieving a timely diagnosis and implementing appropriate interventions. Let us delve into the intricate tapestry of these contributing elements.
Female Factors
For women, fertility can be influenced by the quantity and quality of eggs, as well as the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Age is a significant factor, as egg quantity and quality decline with advancing years.
If you conceived your first child in your early 30s and are attempting again in your late 30s or early 40s, the diminished egg quality can substantially reduce your chances of conceiving.
Low ovarian reserve or diminished egg count is another factor to consider. This situation arises when the number of eggs you are born with becomes exceptionally low, compromising both the quality and quantity of eggs. Ovulation issues, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or irregular cycles, can also complicate conception.
Additionally, post-pregnancy weight gain can negatively impact both partners, affecting ovulation and sperm production. Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular, moderate exercise can positively influence your chances of conception.
Uterine factors, such as pelvic adhesions, scar tissue, polyps, fibroids, or scarring, can affect the proper function of the fallopian tubes or prevent implantation. Tubal factors, including blockages and the presence of hydrosalpinx (toxic fluid in the tubes), can also hinder fertility.
Male Factors
Male factors are equally significant in secondary infertility, contributing to around one-third of cases. It is essential to recognise that male fertility can play a substantial role when couples face challenges in conceiving a second child.
A man’s fertility can change over time due to health issues or medications, affecting sperm quality and quantity. Interestingly, a sperm’s lifecycle spans only 72 days, implying that with a few lifestyle adjustments, many men can witness improvements in sperm quality within a few months.
If male factors are suspected contributors to infertility, undergoing a semen analysis is recommended for further investigation.
A semen analysis stands as the pivotal male infertility test, offering a precise evaluation of sperm count, motility (the proportion of actively swimming sperm), and morphology (sperm shape). This straightforward test is usually conducted by a specialist infertility laboratory to ensure accurate analysis and interpretation of results.
Learn more about semen analysis in Melbourne here.
Coping with the Challenges of Secondary Infertility
When facing secondary infertility, you are navigating not only the typical highs and lows of trying to conceive but also the unique emotional aftermath experienced by those struggling to conceive their second child.
In addition to feelings of disappointment and sadness, you might encounter shock, guilt, and even isolation, making it challenging to reconcile these conflicting emotions. To navigate this journey, it is crucial to prioritise self-care, foster open communication with your partner, and, most importantly, seek assistance from a medical professional.
Consulting a fertility specialist is a pivotal step to uncover potential underlying causes of secondary infertility. These experts can conduct fertility evaluations, assess reproductive health, and craft a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific circumstances.
Exploring Pathways to Treatment
Overcoming secondary infertility involves exploring a range of treatment options. From simple lifestyle adjustments to ovulation-stimulating medications, fertility treatments, or surgeries targeting treatments for underlying conditions like endometriosis, effective pathways await exploration.
In some cases, advanced procedures like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) might be recommended, particularly for those contending with challenges due to advanced maternal age.
If you have been diligently trying to conceive for six months without success, and you are aged 36 or above (or one year if you are under 36), it is time to seek guidance from your trusted general practitioner for a referral to a fertility specialist.
Remember, seeking medical advice can significantly alter the trajectory of your family expansion journey. While the diagnosis or treatment might initially feel overwhelming, make sure to discover a personalised solution that best suits your needs. Just a single appointment with a fertility specialist can restore your sense of control and provide invaluable support.
Keep in mind that you are not alone on this demanding path. Numerous couples have been confronted with and triumphed over secondary infertility, and you can too. Maintain a positive mindset, reach out for assistance, and cling to the unwavering hope that your dream of completing your family can still manifest into a beautiful reality.