On a recent segment of Good Day DC, Dr. Alex Mitchell, who practices at our Leesburg location, shared insights on the topic of secondary infertility alongside lifestyle expert and patient, Emma Collins. Together, they opened up important discussions about the challenges and available treatments for couples facing this issue.
Emma began by recounting her fertility story. “We were fortunate to welcome a wonderful baby boy naturally. I had a smooth pregnancy, with no complications, and an easy delivery. When we decided to try for our second child, I thought it would be just as simple. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. After numerous attempts, I decided to seek help, which led me to Dr. Mitchell.”
Secondary infertility refers to the difficulty in conceiving after already having one or more biological children without the use of fertility treatments.
Many people may not realize how common secondary infertility is. “One in eight couples experience fertility issues, which amounts to around 8 million couples. Of those, around one-third to half are dealing with secondary infertility,” Dr. Mitchell noted. “This statistic may seem surprising, but it’s one of the most frequent conditions we encounter.”
What Contributes to Secondary Infertility?
- Maternal Age: A significant factor is the age of the female partner. As women grow older, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline. While conceiving a first child may have been straightforward, women may face challenges when trying to conceive again years later.
- Internal Complications: Changes in a woman’s body between pregnancies can also create difficulties. Issues with the uterus, infections, or problems with the Fallopian tubes can affect the chances of becoming pregnant.
- Male Factor Infertility: Just like women, men’s reproductive health can decline with age, impacting sperm quality and quantity. These changes may also arise from new medications or lifestyle adjustments, such as weight gain or smoking, which can also affect female fertility.
- Weight Gain: For both genders, weight gain can significantly influence fertility, potentially leading to ovulatory dysfunction in women or decreased sperm quality in men. As with other infertility types, many couples dealing with secondary infertility can start with basic treatment options, although some may require IVF or donor egg treatments to conceive.
“I had two choices when we weren’t conceiving,” Emma reflected. “I could have accepted that since I already had one child, maybe it wasn’t meant to be. Instead, my husband and I opted to pursue IVF because my secondary infertility diagnosis and medical history indicated low chances of conceiving naturally. So, we’re moving forward with IVF to expand our family.”
Dr. Mitchell further explained the treatment options available for secondary infertility. “There are straightforward solutions—if ovulation is an issue, there are medications to help. Basic treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) can also be effective. The aim is to increase the number of eggs and sperm together for a better chance of conception. Additionally, IVF can be an option, where eggs and sperm are combined in the lab to create embryos. The wonderful thing is that genetic testing of embryos is now possible, allowing only the healthiest embryos to be used, which boosts the chances of pregnancy and reduces miscarriage risks.”
Finding Emotional Support
Experiencing secondary infertility can leave individuals feeling isolated and unsure about how to express their feelings to friends and family. Many may not understand why someone with children could feel such distress. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone. There are support groups and various resources available to connect with others facing similar challenges.
For more information about secondary infertility or to learn more about the emotional support available, check out this resource. Also, for couples navigating their fertility journey, this guide is a fantastic resource on this topic. Additionally, Healthline provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, secondary infertility can be a challenging and often misunderstood journey for many families. Understanding the causes and available treatments can provide hope and direction for couples seeking to grow their families.