Understanding Secondary Infertility

Many couples struggle with infertility, trying to get pregnant for years before they finally conceive and carry a child to term. Others seem to have no problem conceiving the first time, but attempts to give their child a sibling just don’t bear fruit.

At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, our team of women’s health and reproduction specialists are here for you, whether this is your first experience with infertility or the latest in a long series of attempts.

Common causes of infertility

It’s a common myth that infertility is a women’s issue. In fact, around half of the cases of infertility have to do with a factor affecting the man, and in most instances, both the man and the woman involved have problems that contribute to infertility.

The most common causes of infertility include: 

Male factors

• Low or absent sperm production or abnormal sperm function
• Varicocele (varicose veins around the testes)
• Abnormal male hormone or endocrine function 
• Chromosome defects
• Birth defects, such as exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero
• Antisperm antibodies

Female factors

• Hormone/ovulation problems
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Previous pelvic surgeries
• Endometriosis
• Birth defects, such as exposure to DES in utero
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Abnormal immune response to pregnancy 

Infertility issues typically make themselves known within a year of a couple beginning to try for a baby. Secondary infertility, however, can happen after one or more healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

Secondary infertility

Secondary infertility is defined as infertility happening after a pregnancy and birth that wasn’t assisted with fertility medications or treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Usually a couple tries to conceive again for six months or a year before a diagnosis is made.

Causes of secondary infertility include:

• Age-related egg or sperm impairment
• Reduced testosterone levels
• Complications from a previous pregnancy
• Scar tissue from a previous surgery
• Prostate enlargement
• Weight gain (in either sex)  
• Certain medications 
• Certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Lifestyle factors, such as tobacco or alcohol use

Secondary fertility is addressed much the same as initial infertility. Both partners are tested for fertility issues, and as problems are ruled out, the path forward may become clear. In most cases, secondary infertility can be successfully treated with IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI).

If you already have one or more children but are struggling to conceive again, a consultation with our team in Houston, Texas, can help you decide what steps to take next. Call Women’s Health Care Center of Houston at 713-365-2900 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation with our caring, compassionate professionals today.