Secondary Infertility
Riadh Ben Temime
Fertility Consultant
Medical Director North Africa
What is secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after successfully having one or more children without any reproductive assistance in the past. It is diagnosed after a couple tries to conceive for a year without success. The investigations can start earlier after six months if the age of the woman is >35 years.
How common is secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility is not uncommon. Approximately 15-20% of infertile couples experience secondary infertility.
What are the common causes of secondary infertility?
Secondary infertility can affect one or both partners. Some of the most common causes are:
- Age: As both partners age, fertility may decrease, making it more challenging to conceive. Age affects mainly the female partner’s ovarian reserve and quality of eggs.
- Gynaecological issues: Impaired eggs: after age 38 years the ovarian reserve and egg quality decrease with a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Changes in health and lifestyle: Changes in your overall health, such as weight gain, chronic illness, smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can impact your fertility.
- Reproductive disorders: Conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may develop over time and contribute to secondary infertility.
- Fallopian tube damage: due to infection, pelvic inflammatory disease or adhesions.
- Male factors: Changes in sperm quality or quantity can contribute to secondary infertility. Impaired sperm production or function may be due to varicocele, sexually transmitted infections, hormonal anomalies, prostate disease, or changes in lifestyle.
- Unexplained causes: In some cases, the exact cause of secondary infertility may remain unknown.
Diagnosis and Tests
Investigation starts with a review of medical, surgical and obstetrical history of the couple. Then a complete physical examination is performed. The diagnostic process typically includes:
- Blood tests (including hormone profile and AMH)
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Tubal patency test
- Hysteroscopy
- Semen analysis
How is secondary infertility treated?
Treatment for infertility depends mostly on the cause. Your age, how long you’ve been trying to conceive and your personal preferences are factors in deciding on a treatment. Sometimes, treatment involves both partners.
In most cases, people and couples with infertility have a high chance of pregnancy. Things like medication, surgery or assisted reproductive technology (ART) can help. Often, lifestyle changes or improving the frequency and timing of intercourse can improve your chances of pregnancy. Treatment can also include a combination of methods.
How can we help?
NOW-fertility offers a variety of assisted conception techniques, in order to help you achieve pregnancy. Our team of fertility consultants, nurses and care coordinators understand the emotional impact of secondary infertility and are here to support you and assist you through your fertility journey.
Ready to start your journey?
Our commitment is to make fertility care accessible, successful and stress free for patients.
If you are ready to start your journey, book a consultation with one of our experienced fertility consultants.
