Secondary Infertility is defined as inability to conceive after having had a pregnancy in the past. The previous pregnancy(ies) could have been live births, stillbirths or miscarriages. Secondary infertility has an equal trauma and impact on the emotional health of the couple. In spite of the fact that they have conceived before, now they cannot and this leads to psychological stress.

Causes of Secondary Infertility

In general the same conditions causing Primary Infertility cause Secondary Infertility. Only difference is in the case of secondary - these factors play a role now, previously they were normal or less severe so that the couple had a pregnancy before. It is important to understand that Infertility is a ‘couple’ phenomenon. If someone has a second marriage and had a previous pregnancy in the first marriage this is an important history but not Secondary Infertility for present couple as one partner is new in the present case. The following are some of the important factors causing Secondary Infertility :-

1. Age of the wife

Maternal age is probably the most important reason why couples who conceived earlier cannot do so anymore. There is an inevitable age related decline in the quantity and quality of eggs of a woman. This age related decline is accelerated after 35 years of age. Thus, a woman who could conceive easily in her twenties and early thirties finds it difficult to conceive in late thirties. This is common and the couple should visit a good Fertility Centre to avail assisted reproduction.

2. Lifestyle factors or weight gain

Overweight men and women have lower chances of conception compared to normal counterparts. Also, the incidence of miscarriages and difficult labor increases with the weight of the woman.

3. Tubal block or Ovulatory dysfunction

Like in Primary Infertility, these same factors can play a role in Secondary Infertility as well. Ovulatory dysfunction is seen commonly in women with advancing age, women with thyroid problems or PCOS. Fallopian tubes can get blocked with an Infection or Tuberculosis.

4. Male factor

This is also a very important cause of Secondary Infertility. It is less common knowledge but a fact that just as how a woman’s egg quality and quantity declines with age, so do a man’s sperm. It is just that this process is not as dramatic or overt. It is an established fact in medical literature that older men take longer to conceive even with younger wives. Lifestyle choices like cigarette smoking, alcohol and exposure to toxins also impair fertility.

When should you visit a Fertility Centre?

If you are younger than 35, you can try conceiving naturally until one year of regular unprotected intercourse and if other reports are normal. Between 35 and 37 years you shouldn’t wait more than 6 months. 37 years of age and beyond, you should visit a Fertility Specialist doctor after only 3 months of trying to conceive on your own. The more time you waste the harder it will get for you to conceive. This is particularly relevant for trying to conceive with your own eggs. Even with IVF/ICSI, it would be wise and benefit you if you seek fertility treatment as soon as possible. The quality of eggs declines significantly after 35 years of age and Assisted Reproductive Technology cannot do anything about it at present. Of course, the option of Donor eggs from another lady always exists anytime in the future but if you wish you could become a mother with your own Genes, you should visit a good IVF centre like Janini IVF at your earliest convenience.

Tests recommended for Secondary Infertility

• At Janini IVF, the best infertility treatment in Delhi NCR, we will take an elaborate and thorough medical history of both partners.
• All previous reports and previous treatments, if any, will be looked into
• Pertinent case histories will be assessed to help us gauge what has changed since the last pregnancy that is responsible in causing infertility
• After this a basic work-up would be done comprising of Semen analysis, Trans-vaginal Ultrasound and blood tests, just as how we do in a case of Primary Infertility.
• Ovarian reserve will be assessed by way of both Ultrasound (Antral follicle count) and AMH blood test

Treatment of Secondary Infertility - Best Treatment at Janini IVF

• Just as like in primary Infertility, you will be thoroughly evaluated and history of both husband and wife will be noted simultaneously at Janini IVF.
• Counselling for secondary Infertility will be done in which all suitable treatment options will be discussed and the best plan of action will be mutually decided upon.
• Depending on the reports, the couple can go for In-vitro fertilisation using self eggs or donor eggs as the case may be.

Infertility per-se is a stressful condition to go through and its treatment requires a fair deal of positivity and patience. Contrary to public opinion, Secondary infertility is quite common and can cause the same amount of discontentment as Primary Infertility. Janini IVF boasts of one of the most qualified and experienced consultants in Infertility - Dr. Dalal Combined with the skilful expertise of our Lab director - Dr. Akanksha Mishra, our infertility specialist doctor in Delhi, Janini IVF delivers consistent par-excellent success rates for all cases of Infertility, however challenging they may be. Janini IVF at Delhi is there for you to provide case-specific, trustworthy and hassle free services.