Things you should know about Secondary Infertility?

Infertility is a serious problem, sometimes remains hidden. Most people think if you can have one child, you can easily conceive again and have second children- a misconception that creates depression and anxiety among married couples. So if you are finding the problem, it could be secondary infertility.

Secondary infertility (SI) is defined by doctors as the inability to conceive or carry to term a second or subsequent child. In other words, the term is used for patients who previously had a successful pregnancy but currently are infertile. The couples who are struggling to have second baby may not have heard of Secondary Infertility but they will probably soon because it’s on the increase. A US study revealed that, in 1995, 1.8 million women suffered from secondary infertility; in 2006, it was 3.3 million. SI now accounts for six out of 10 infertility cases.

Is Secondary Infertility a Male or Female Problem?

According to studies, a full 40% of all infertility (primary or secondary) is related to sperm while 30% is due to ovulatory dysfunction. Another 20% is related to female “plumbing problems,” such as blocked tubes, uterine fibroids or endometriosis. The remaining 10% is unexplained — but that can actually be a good thing! The data reveals, the more normal testing is, the more likely you are to be successful with infertility treatment.

Why is secondary infertility so emotionally difficult?

Some couple receives a shock after find they are unable to conceive a second child due to infertility. Also, family members and friends start asking insensitive questions to couple saying things like “you are lucky to have one child,” or “just relax, it will happen later”. Eventually, the couple find it too stressful to cope with the situation that they have only child to care.

How can couples best cope with the situation?

Couple with secondary infertility often has young kids of their own and find themselves surrounded by the mothers who are pregnant or younger siblings of their children’s friends. This makes them harder to avoid questions from child about wanting a little sister or brother.

Like any infertility couple, those are facing secondary infertility need support, validation and empathy from their friends. They also need support from the fertility clinic in case they want to expand their family. Some couples go for IVF and other medical procedures in order to have second baby.

Thus the bottom line is that secondary infertility can be problematic for couples and can cause depression or anxiety and loss for many couples. If you or your spouse is facing the similar situation, it’s important to learn all through credible sources and organization and obtain support by which you can take best decisions for you and your family.