Secondary Infertility and IVF as an Option

Understanding Secondary Infertility

Secondary infertility affects roughly 1 in 7 couples who’ve already had a child. (Source: Chana) There’s no single cause, but  several factors can contribute to this unexpected challenge. Age is a significant factor. A woman’s fertility declines with  age as egg quality and quantity decrease, especially after 35. Medical conditions that might not have affected the first  pregnancy, like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes, can now present problems. Male fertility can  also decline over time, with sperm quality and count affected by age, health conditions, or lifestyle factors like smoking.  Previous pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can also contribute to secondary infertility. 

Seeking Answers and Finding Solutions

If you’ve been trying to conceive for six months without success, it’s wise to consult a doctor or fertility specialist. They’ll  conduct a thorough evaluation to identify potential causes. This may include blood tests to check hormone levels,  ultrasounds to examine the uterus and ovaries, and semen analysis for your partner. 

The good news is that secondary infertility often has solutions. Depending on the cause, your doctor may suggest various  approaches. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and quitting unhealthy habits can improve overall health  and boost fertility. Medications can help regulate ovulation and increase the number of eggs released each month. In  some cases, a procedure called Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) might be recommended. This involves placing sperm  directly into the uterus and increasing the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes for fertilization. (Source: Penn Medicine) 

IVF: A Path to Growing Your Family

For couples facing more complex challenges, IVF can be a powerful option. This multi-step process offers a more controlled  approach to conception. Firstly, fertility medications stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Then, a  minimally invasive procedure retrieves eggs from the follicles for fertilization in a laboratory setting. Sperm is collected  from your partner, or donor sperm can be used. Eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish, allowing fertilization  outside the body. The fertilized eggs, called embryos, are monitored for healthy development. After careful evaluation,  one or more healthy embryos are transferred back into the woman’s uterus. Regular tests and ultrasounds will track the  pregnancy’s progress. 

IVF for Secondary Infertility: Advantages and Considerations

For couples facing secondary infertility, IVF offers several advantages. By bypassing certain fertility obstacles, IVF allows for fertilization to occur in a controlled environment, increasing the chances of conception. Additionally, IVF provides for  the evaluation of embryo quality before implantation, potentially leading to a healthier pregnancy. This process also offers  various family-building options. IVF can be used with donor sperm or eggs or even with surrogacy, depending on your  specific circumstances and goals. (Source: Apricity)  

Sources:  

Chana - Chana -Secondary-infertility 

Penn Medicine: Penn Medicine -Secondary Infertility-Treatment for Secondary Infertility 

Apricity – Apricity - Medical-conditions/Secondary-infertility