Secondary infertility may be an unknown concept to many, but for those who experience it, it becomes a daily battle filled with mixed emotions. It’s when a couple, after successfully having a child, finds difficulty in conceiving again.
The reasons can vary, but hopelessness and confusion are common emotions that many face.
Why can't I have another child?
Usually, after having had one or more children in a natural and easy way, it is common to think that the same thing will happen with the next ones. However, there are cases in which there are problems conceiving again: these are cases of secondary infertility.
Secondary infertility can be both female and male, or even affect both partners.
When the mother is older than 35 years of age, it is essential not to waste time in cases of secondary infertility. If a woman has been trying to get pregnant for a year (or 6 months for women over 35) without success, the couple should seek the advice of a specialist. They will advise them to take the appropriate fertility tests. Sometimes it may be necessary even earlier if risk factors for infertility are detected (such as infrequent periods, endometriosis, etc.).
Causes of female infertility
- Ovulation disorders (polycystic ovary, ovarian insufficiency…).
- Damage to the fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal imbalances
- Vaginal or uterine problems
- Harmful habits affecting fertility (alcohol or tobacco consumption, poor diet…)
Causes of male infertility
- Low quality or quantity of semen.
- Pathologies affecting the male reproductive system
- Harmful habits affecting fertility (alcohol or tobacco consumption, poor diet…)
The age factor, especially in women, plays an important role. On the one hand, delayed motherhood is an increasingly frequent reality. Moreover, in any case, the age of couples seeking to have a second child is logically more advanced. As time goes by, the quantity and quality of the gametes produced by both men and women are affected.
The story of Claudia and Ruslan: from natural birth to in vitro fertilization
Ruslan and Claudia are no strangers to the joy of parenthood. After the happiness of a natural pregnancy, their plans to expand their family ran into the reality of secondary infertility. With determination and courage, they embarked on the journey toward in vitro fertilization.
An unexpected obstacle in their path
When Ruslan and Claudia decided to conceive again, they anticipated happy moments and an uncomplicated process. However, medical tests revealed a blockage in Claudia’s fallopian tubes, requiring laparoscopic intervention. Faced with this adversity, they decided to continue and opted for IVF-Life Alicante.
“At first we thought it would be easy…” Claudia shares. Despite the expectations, reality presented a different scenario, immersed in problems and uncertainty.
“We felt bewildered, devastated…” adds Ruslan, recalling the anguish of discovering that they could not conceive naturally again.
The discovery of the blockage and the path to surgery
Claudia recounts the painful experience of the hysterosalpingogram, a test that revealed the blockage in her tubes and the need for laparoscopic surgery. The reality of the diagnosis was a hard blow for the couple: endometriosis.
“Coming out of the operating room, I felt devastated…” Claudia says. But the discovery of in vitro fertilization through Instagram gave her a glimmer of hope.
The public perception of secondary infertility and assisted reproduction
Claudia and Ruslan wish for people to understand that secondary infertility can affect anyone. The ill-intentioned comments and judgments from society were often challenging for the couple. However, they found support in groups and networks of women who shared similar experiences.
They involved their first child in the entire IVF process, allowing him to understand and appreciate the effort behind the arrival of his sisters. “Our older boy has two sisters, they drive him crazy but he’s happy with them,” Ruslan proudly shares.
Challenges and Rewards of Being a Family of Five
The family shares the joys and challenges of raising three children, and how the experience of IVF has taught them the value of perseverance, empathy, and love.
With stories like Claudia and Ruslan’s, we are reminded of the wonders and challenges of life. Secondary infertility is a struggle that many face in silence, but with determination, support, and science, hope and joy can be found.
I want to have more children
At IVF-Life we offer a wide variety of assisted reproduction treatments to treat cases of both primary and secondary infertility.
You can still achieve that long-desired pregnancy.
The specialists will offer you a completely personalized treatment adapted to each case, depending on the causes of infertility. Whether it is artificial insemination or embryo adoption, we have a wide range of possibilities to find a solution to your problem.
Better safe than sorry…
Women’s fertility decreases drastically after the age of 35. Therefore, preserving fertility is the best option when there is a possibility of seeking pregnancy after this age. Egg freezing makes it possible to stop the aging of the eggs, while preserving their quality. Thus, the chances of a successful pregnancy are maintained despite the time that may pass.
Should you have any doubts about this, do not hesitate to contact one of our professionals, we will be happy to help you!
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