Secondary infertility is when you are unable to conceive a child or carry it to full term after having a successful pregnancy in the past. How much do you know about infertility after pregnancy? What are the most common causes and symptoms of secondary infertility? Who is at risk of secondary infertility? If you are asking yourself these questions, you have landed on the right article. Keep reading to uncover what secondary infertility is, the signs and symptoms, possible treatment methods, coping mechanisms, and much more.
Firstly, you will want to schedule an appointment with a healthcare specialist. If you are looking for the best experts in the area, we recommend obstetric care in Plantation, Florida. Your medical professional will help guide you through secondary infertility and discuss with you the treatment options.
Here is what you need to know about infertility after pregnancy.
What Is Secondary Infertility?
While it is similar to other infertility types in terms of the signs, secondary infertility is when the patient cannot conceive or is not able to carry a child to full term after having a successful pregnancy in the past.
Infertility after pregnancy can be caused by either the woman or the man. Fortunately, treatment for secondary infertility is possible, and patients can opt for ovulation-inducing medication, surgery, or in vitro fertilization or IVF. Before anything else, you will want to consult a professional for expert analysis and advice. Choose experts at Broward Complete OB-GYN Wellness Center to get started.
Here is how infertility after pregnancy is classified – a woman must have had a previous successful birth that occurred without fertility treatments or medications (such as in vitro fertilization). If you have been attempting to conceive for six to twelve months without success, you can be diagnosed with secondary infertility. Recurrent pregnancy is a similar condition where couples and patients are able to conceive a baby but cannot carry it to full term.
What is secondary infertility? It is a common problem among couples worldwide. Consult with a professional to get an expert diagnosis and determine your next steps.
What Are the Causes of Secondary Infertility?
There are a few noteworthy causes of secondary infertility, and the problem can be traced to one or both partners. Approximately one-third of secondary infertility cases originate in females and around one-third in males. As for the remaining one-third, experts claim that the cause is unknown or a combination of factors. For instance, older patients, patients who are overweight or obese, individuals taking certain medications, and those who had complications from prior surgery or pregnancy are typically at higher risk of secondary infertility.
Here are some of the most common causes of secondary infertility in female patients:
- Fallopian tube problems: The fallopian tubes carry the eggs to the uterus. Due to pelvic infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia, they can get blocked.
- Uterus problems: Some problems related to the uterus can cause complications with pregnancy. For instance, a Cesarean delivery or scarring during D&C (dilation and curettage) can cause adhesions inside the patient’s uterus. These adhesions can interfere with a future pregnancy.
- Issues with the quality or quantity of eggs: Women have a limited egg supply, and they cannot make new eggs after birth. With age, the number of eggs in the ovaries drops, and the remaining eggs have a higher chance of chromosomal complications. Moreover, some women may struggle with a low number of quality eggs, such as patients with prior radiation, surgery, or genetic or autoimmune conditions.
- Patients with PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome: Women with this hormonal disorder have infrequent or abnormally long menstrual periods. The ovaries of these patients fail to release eggs regularly.
- Lifestyle changes or weight gain: Some overweight patients might deal with ovary dysfunction. Also, some diets can affect fertility levels. Medications can do the same.
- Breastfeeding patients: A woman who is exclusively breastfeeding will not ovulate.
Causes of Secondary Infertility in Males
1. Reduced testosterone in the body: Testosterone is vital for proper sperm production. As men age, testosterone levels can drop. Other causes for the reduction of testosterone include certain medical conditions, injury to genital or urinary organs, and more. These medical conditions can cause reduced testosterone in men:
- Diabetes
- Smallpox
- Genital infections
- Thyroid diseases
- Tuberculosis
- Emotional stress
- Benign tumors
- Blood diseases
- Myocardial infarction
- Coma
- Burns
- Respiratory failure
- Stroke
- Congestive heart failure
- Anesthesia
- Genital tract surgery
- Mycoplasma presence
2. Poor semen quality: The fluid that carries sperm is referred to as semen. After reaching 40, semen quality usually declines.
3. Testicular varicocele: Men with enlarged veins in their scrotum have testicular varicocele. This is a condition that usually causes low sperm production and male infertility. Approximately 30 percent of male infertilities involve testicular varicocele.
4. Enlargement of the prostate: This condition hinders normal ejaculation and leads to low sperm count.
5. Late-onset hypogonadism: Men with this condition deal with reduced testosterone secretion.
6. Removed prostate: Male patients may have a removed prostate due to conditions such as cancer. Because of this, the semen can flow backward.
7.Some drugs can affect the quality of the sperm and sperm count: For example, medications and antibiotics can affect fertility in men. Also, treatments for the following medical conditions can lead to male infertility:
- Schizophrenia
- Cancers
- Pain
- Seizures
- Stomach acid
- Gout
- Enlarged prostate
- Prostate cancer
- Urinary tract infections
- Arthritis
- Ulcerative colitis
Potential Signs of Secondary Infertility
Men and women who are 35 or younger and who have had unprotected sexual intercourse for a minimum of 12 months without conceiving a baby may have secondary infertility. Women above the age of 30 who have struggled with painful periods, irregular menstruations, and pelvic inflammatory diseases are at the highest risk.
Infertility After Pregnancy: Diagnosis
If you believe you may have secondary infertility, consult with an expert as soon as you can. Book an appointment with your reproductive endocrinologist, a reliable women’s health provider, or your urologist. Do not disregard the signs and symptoms. You can receive the best treatments and achieve positive results by getting evaluated early.
The medical expert will check the patient’s medical history and see if there are any changes since the previous pregnancy. Patients will be asked about their menstrual cycles and whether they are experiencing any abnormalities. For male patients, the medical history will reveal cancer, thyroid disease, or conditions linked to age that can affect the quality of the sperm.
Treatment for Secondary Infertility
Are you dealing with infertility problems? You are not alone. The good news is that treatment for secondary infertility is an option. We recommend consulting with your healthcare professional for further guidance. Here is the best treatment for secondary infertility:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): The procedure involves placing sperm inside the uterus to boost the fertilization rate.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): This procedure involves everyday injections for ovary stimulation. Sperm or egg donors can be used. Some female patients without partners may opt for egg freezing before fertilization.
- Medications such as letrozole and clomiphene: These can induce ovulation in females with ovulation difficulties.
- Anti-aging supplements and antioxidants: These can boost fertility rates in male patients. Some drug treatments can increase the quality of sperm.
- Surgery: Women may undergo surgery to repair problems related to the uterus. For instance, this involves the removal of polyps, fibroids, and scar tissue.
How to Cope With Infertility?
Although infertility can be the hardest pill to swallow, remember that you are not alone. Many women and men globally deal with this problem. You may want to seek out emotional support from a mental health expert or a support group. We’re here for you!
Reach out to us today and book your first appointment. Our team of professionals will evaluate your health and help get you back on track.