Understanding Secondary Infertility

11 Aug Understanding Secondary Infertility

We’ve had kids before, so why am I having difficulty getting pregnant again?

For many couples or individuals who have successfully conceived a child in the past, the expectation of easily achieving future pregnancies can be taken for granted. However, secondary infertility is a reality that affects a significant number of people. It can be a source of confusion, frustration, and heartbreak. In this blog, we will dive into the topic of secondary infertility, including its causes, emotional impact, and the available solutions provided by Virginia Fertility & IVF.

What is Secondary Infertility?

Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after successfully giving birth to one or more children in the past. Unlike primary infertility, where couples have never been able to conceive, secondary infertility can come as a surprise to those who have previously experienced the joy of parenthood.

Causes of Secondary Infertility

There are various factors that contribute to secondary infertility. These can include age-related decline in fertility, hormonal imbalances, changes in reproductive health, underlying medical conditions, previous pregnancies affecting fertility, or lifestyle factors such as stress, weight gain, or smoking. Identifying the specific cause is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Emotional Impact

Secondary infertility can be emotionally challenging for individuals and couples. They may struggle to understand why they are unable to conceive again. Feelings of guilt, frustration, and even shame may arise, coupled with the fear of missing out on expanding their family. It is important to acknowledge and address these emotions, seeking support from professionals and loved ones.

Solutions Offered by Virginia Fertility & IVF

Virginia Fertility & IVF understands the unique challenges faced by individuals and couples dealing with secondary infertility. Our experienced team of fertility specialists offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options tailored to each person’s specific situation. These may include:

• Fertility Testing: Thorough evaluations are conducted to determine any underlying causes of infertility, including hormone level assessments, semen analysis, and imaging tests.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Virginia Fertility & IVF offers a variety of ART options, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fertility medications. These techniques aim to increase the chances of conception by bypassing or addressing specific fertility obstacles.
• Emotional Support: Our compassionate team provides individualized support throughout the entire process, ensuring that patients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Support groups and counseling services are also available to help navigate the emotional journey of secondary infertility.

When to See One of Our Virginia Fertility & IVF Specialists for Secondary Infertility

Many people mistakenly believe that if they can have one child, they won’t have trouble getting pregnant again. However, the truth is that secondary infertility can happen to anyone and is responsible for more than half of all infertility cases.

Just like with primary infertility, our team at Virginia Fertility & IVF advises women experiencing secondary infertility to consult with a fertility specialist if they are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months without success. Women under 35 should see a specialist if they haven’t conceived within one year.

Virginia Fertility & IVF is dedicated to providing personalized care, advanced fertility treatments, and unwavering support to those facing secondary infertility. Remember, you are not alone on this path, and together, we can overcome the challenges of secondary infertility. Contact us to schedule an appointment.