What Is Secondary Infertility?

You are probably here because you may have been looking for answers, hope, support, and how to proceed with infertility after conceiving. We are here to tell you that you are not alone! Around 12% of women in the US have difficulty conceiving or continuing with their pregnancy. And secondary infertility often catches many people off guard.

 

Secondary infertility can bring many challenging emotions, such as sadness, frustration, and guilt. However, if you have been diagnosed with this condition or are currently struggling with infertility, you are in a safe place where our fertility specialists will discuss secondary infertility. 

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What Is Secondary Infertility?

Secondary infertility is a medical condition in which couples who have previously been able to conceive a child naturally experience difficulty having a second child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), secondary infertility accounts for about 50% of infertility cases in the United States.

It can be a negative experience for those trying to add another little one to their family, and it can also be a complicated issue to discuss with family and friends. However, many fertility treatments can help couples with secondary infertility achieve their dream of starting a family.

 

 

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What Causes Secondary Infertility?

Secondary infertility has many causes, including:

 Age, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and previous fertility treatments. Women over 35 may experience a decline in fertility due to a decrease in the number and quality of their eggs. 

Medical conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also affect fertility. Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity can also hurt fertility. Finally, previous reproductive treatments, such as tubal ligation or vasectomy, can cause secondary infertility.

 

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Symptoms Of Secondary Infertility

Symptoms of secondary infertility include:

• Difficulty in conceiving.
• Irregular periods.
• Painful periods.  
• Abnormal bleeding.

 

However, many couples may not experience symptoms and may only realize they have secondary infertility when they cannot conceive despite trying for a significant period.

The diagnosis of secondary infertility involves a comprehensive evaluation of both partners. Tests may include sperm analysis, hormone testing, ultrasound, and hysterosalpingography  (HSG) to check for blockages in fallopian tubes. The evaluation may also involve a thorough medical history, including any past medical conditions or medications affecting fertility. 

Once the diagnosis is made, couples may consider some fertility treatments. These may include fertility medications or treatments such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or IUI (Intrauterine insemination). Your treatment plan depends on the cause of infertility, age, and other factors.

 

Fertility Treatments To Conceive

• Fertility medications. Fertility medications are often used to stimulate ovulation and improve the chances of conceiving. These medications may be oral or injected and are commonly used with IUI and IVF. 

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). IUI involves the insertion of sperm directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation, bypassing the cervix and increasing the chances of fertilization. This procedure can be a less invasive and less expensive option for couples with secondary infertility, mainly when the underlying cause of infertility is unknown or unexplained.

 

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF is a treatment in which a woman’s eggs are extracted and fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred back into the woman’s uterus to achieve a successful pregnancy. IVF is often used in cases of secondary infertility when other treatments have failed or when there are underlying fertility issues such as endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, or low sperm count.

 

Other fertility treatments may include intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to increase the chances of fertilization, and egg or embryo donation, which may be considered if a woman is unable to produce viable eggs.

 

How Much Do Fertility Treatments Cost In Mexico?

At The Fertility Center Mexico, fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI are 70% cheaper than in the US!

 

If you are struggling with secondary infertility and dream of adding another member to your family, our staff is here to support you. Our Fertility Clinic Tijuana are ready for your visit and will stay with you in every part of your journey. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

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