Dr. Nandita Palshetkar

Health and Me

The Silent Struggle of Secondary Infertility

“You already became <span>pregnant</span> once, so why is it difficult now?” This is a question many couples hear when they struggle to conceive again. A previous <span>pregnancy</span> can be reassuring, but it does not guarantee that a future pregnancy will happen easily. This difficulty is called <span>secondary <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/infertility">infertility</a></span>. It is a condition that can be termed as the inability to conceive or carry forward a pregnancy to its full term after having enjoyed a successful natural pregnancy previously. And it deserves the same attention and care as <span>infertility</span> experienced before a first pregnancy. 

The <span>National Family Health Survey</span> (<span>NFHS</span>) data indicate a rise in secondary in<span>fertility</span> among Indian couples, from 19.5% in the early 1990s to 28.6% by 2015-16. This could be due to factors like delayed childbearing, age related fertility decline, certain medical conditions and even lifestyle.

<h2>How Age And Delayed Childbearing Affect Fertility </h2>

Sometimes the most important change is time. A woman who conceived at 30 may find it harder at 40 because egg number and quality decline with age. Changes happen in both <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/ayurveda/pcos-and-yoga-how-early-intervention-may-help-manage-hormones-insulin-and-inflammation-article-156277037" data-type="tilCustomLink">ovarian reserve</a> and egg quality with advancing age and her reproductive potential can diminish. Due to career commitments and financial considerations couples are looking to have more space between two pregnancies. This is increasingly relevant in urban India where delayed motherhood is becoming a norm. It is key not to blame the various factors or each other. Both partners should be willing to undergo appropriate evaluations. 

Other factors can also develop between pregnancies, like irregular ovulation, endometriosis, fibroids, changes within the uterus, or damage to the fallopian tubes. A previous infection, caesarean section or uterine procedure may be relevant in some cases. Sperm health can change too, so both partners need to be considered. 

We often find that couples delay seeking help because they already have a child. They may feel that their concern will be dismissed, or feel guilty for wanting another baby. Those feelings are understandable. The wish to grow your family is deeply personal, and having one child does not make the difficulty of conceiving again any less.

<h2>When Should Couples Seek Medical Help? </h2>

If the woman is under 35, a <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/endometriosis-old-anti-parasite-drug-reduced-lesions-in-mouse-study-article-156262513" data-type="tilCustomLink">fertility evaluation </a> is generally advised after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse without pregnancy. At 35 or older, it is advisable after six months. Couples should seek advice sooner when there are irregular periods, a known reproductive condition, a history of pelvic infection, or another reason to suspect a fertility problem. 

An assessment usually begins with a careful history of both partners. Depending on the circumstances, it must include a semen analysis, an assessment of ovulation, and checks of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Ovarian reserve tests can help guide treatment planning, but they do not, on their own, tell a woman whether she can conceive naturally.

Acne Causes, Diet, Stress & Common Myths | When Should You See a Dermatologist?

<h2>Treatment Options For Secondary Infertility </h2>

The treatment suggested will depend on the causes and the age of the women. This could range from correcting ovulatory or metabolic problems and treating tubal or uterine conditions. <span>Assisted Reproductive Technology</span> (ART), including In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), can also be considered. 

Medications to induce ovulation in people who aren’t ovulating regularly, <span>intrauterine insemination</span> (IUI), which involves placing sperm inside your uterus to increase the chance of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/nursing-influencer-dies-from-amniotic-fluid-embolism-during-childbirth-what-to-know-about-the-rare-complication-article-151345130" data-type="tilCustomLink">fertilization</a>, surgery to repair uterine related complications such as removing scar tissue, polyps and fibroids are commonly done. Surgery to repair testicular varicocele is the most surgically correctible cause of male infertility. 

The approach should be to understand what has changed, then help the couple choose the treatment that best fits their circumstances. Above all, they should know that they are not alone and that seeking help is a sensible first step.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

the-silent-struggle-of-secondary-infertility

Secondary Infertility

nfhs

national family health survey

assisted reproductive technology

Infertility

pregnant

pregnancy

Fertility

intrauterine insemination

sharmila-tagores-stage-zero-lung-cancer-can-surgery-prevent-progression

Sharmila Tagore’s Stage Zero Lung Cancer: Can Surgery Prevent Progression?

what-happens-during-a-seven-day-fast

What Happens To Your Body When You Fast For Seven Days? A New Study Reveals Surprising Changes

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

“You already became pregnant once, so why is it difficult now?” This is a question many couples hear when they struggle to conceive again. A previous pregnancy can be reassuring, but it does not guarantee that a future pregnancy will happen easily. This difficulty is called secondary infertility. It is a condition that can be termed as the inability to conceive or carry forward a pregnancy to its full term after having enjoyed a successful natural pregnancy previously. And it deserves the same attention and care as infertility experienced before a first pregnancy. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data indicate a rise in secondary infertility among Indian couples, from 19.5% in the early 1990s to 28.6% by 2015-16. This could be due to factors like delayed childbearing, age related fertility decline, certain medical conditions and even lifestyle.How Age And Delayed Childbearing Affect Fertility Sometimes the most important change is time. A woman who conceived at 30 may find it harder at 40 because egg number and quality decline with age. Changes happen in both ovarian reserve and egg quality with advancing age and her reproductive potential can diminish. Due to career commitments and financial considerations couples are looking to have more space between two pregnancies. This is increasingly relevant in urban India where delayed motherhood is becoming a norm. It is key not to blame the various factors or each other. Both partners should be willing to undergo appropriate evaluations. Other factors can also develop between pregnancies, like irregular ovulation, endometriosis, fibroids, changes within the uterus, or damage to the fallopian tubes. A previous infection, caesarean section or uterine procedure may be relevant in some cases. Sperm health can change too, so both partners need to be considered. We often find that couples delay seeking help because they already have a child. They may feel that their concern will be dismissed, or feel guilty for wanting another baby. Those feelings are understandable. The wish to grow your family is deeply personal, and having one child does not make the difficulty of conceiving again any less.When Should Couples Seek Medical Help? If the woman is under 35, a fertility evaluation  is generally advised after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse without pregnancy. At 35 or older, it is advisable after six months. Couples should seek advice sooner when there are irregular periods, a known reproductive condition, a history of pelvic infection, or another reason to suspect a fertility problem. An assessment usually begins with a careful history of both partners. Depending on the circumstances, it must include a semen analysis, an assessment of ovulation, and checks of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Ovarian reserve tests can help guide treatment planning, but they do not, on their own, tell a woman whether she can conceive naturally.                           Treatment Options For Secondary Infertility The treatment suggested will depend on the causes and the age of the women. This could range from correcting ovulatory or metabolic problems and treating tubal or uterine conditions. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), can also be considered. Medications to induce ovulation in people who aren’t ovulating regularly, intrauterine insemination (IUI), which involves placing sperm inside your uterus to increase the chance of fertilization, surgery to repair uterine related complications such as removing scar tissue, polyps and fibroids are commonly done. Surgery to repair testicular varicocele is the most surgically correctible cause of male infertility. The approach should be to understand what has changed, then help the couple choose the treatment that best fits their circumstances. Above all, they should know that they are not alone and that seeking help is a sensible first step.

the silent struggle of secondary infertility

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

The Silent Struggle of Secondary Infertility

What Happens To Your Body When You Fast For Seven Days? A New Study Reveals Surprising Changes

Relaxing But Still Stressed? Why Your Brain Struggles To Switch Off?

World Mental Health Day: AI Chatbots May Be Changing How Children Seek Emotional Support

Health Conditions A-Z

The Silent Struggle of Secondary Infertility

Sharmila Tagore’s Stage Zero Lung Cancer: Can Surgery Prevent Progression?

What Happens To Your Body When You Fast For Seven Days? A New Study Reveals Surprising Changes