In most cases, women can easily get pregnant the natural way once the birth control methods previously adopted are stopped. The sense of self-confidence about becoming pregnant the second time is a given considering that the first time was easy. And then, secondary infertility sets in.
Two Year Period
Simply put, secondary sterility is the inability to conceive at least one more child after giving birth to a previous one. The sense of shock that the knowledge brings may lead to a sense of failure, frustration and anger in one’s inability to reproduce the second time around when the first time was so easy.
But before couples start worrying about the possibility of permanent infertility, it must be emphasized that many couples encounter a certain degree of difficulty in conception depending on many factors. For example, 84% of couples engaged in regular and unprotected sex will conceive within one year while half of the remaining couples (8%) will conceive in the next two years – a success rate of 92%.
Secondary infertility, however, refers to the inability to conceive after two years of regular and unprotected sex. Take note that we are referring to sex every 2-3 days during the woman’s cycle, which studies have shown to increase the chances for conception.
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Thus, couples need not worry about one of them being infertile if and when the woman has already borne a child and the efforts to conceive have only been undertaken for less than two years. Seeing a doctor for possible infertility is warranted when two years have lapsed with still no results.
Multiple Causes
Just like primary infertility, the causes for secondary infertility cannot be pinpointed on just one cause since it can be the result of problems in the woman’s or the man’s reproductive system or with both partners. In fact, up to 19% of secondary sterility cases are idiopathic meaning that no cause can be found for the condition.
Modern medical science has identified the following multiple causes for secondary sterility:
- Man - Low sperm count and sperm motility; varicocele, undescended testicles; infections in the testicles; genetic abnormalities; hormone problems; certain medications especially chemotherapy
- Woman – Ovulation disorder caused by PCOS; structural damage to the reproductive system; infections like PID; and hormonal disorders.
In both men and women, age is a determining factor. Fertility starts to decline when one reaches 30 and even more so at 35 years old where women are concerned. Male fertility also starts to decline at 35 years of age.
Also, certain lifestyle habits and environmental exposure can lead to secondary infertility. Obesity, smoking and exposure to toxins are just a few of these factors.
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Once your doctor diagnoses either or both of the partners to be infertile for any reason, you will be referred to a fertility specialist to increase your chances for reproduction the second time around. The methods used also pertain to primary infertility, said treatments of which include in vitro fertilization.
In conclusion, couples must not be quick to jump to conclusions about the possibility of secondary infertility in their lives. Modern fertility methods have increased the success for conception despite conventional wisdom that infertility is a permanent condition.
