What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility is defined by the World Health Organization as, “when a woman is unable to bear a child, either due to the inability to become pregnant or the inability to carry a pregnancy to a live birth following either a previous pregnancy or previous ability to carry a pregnancy to a live birth.” It is estimated that 11% of couples struggle with secondary infertility.
Causes of Secondary Infertility
At times, secondary infertility is caused by issues related with the prior pregnancy. Other times secondary infertility can have the same etiology as primary infertility.
- Complications from previous pregnancies (scar tissue, new tubal issues, etc.)
- Age
- Lifestyle Changes (smoking, weight gain, etc)
- Hormonal Imbalances/Changes
- Illness or Disease (history of STIs or new infections)
- Unexplained Infertility
- Endometriosis
When Should I See A Fertility Specialist?
In general, if you’re under the age of 35 and have not gotten pregnant within 12 months of having unprotected vaginal intercourse, or if you’re 35 or older and have not gotten pregnant within 6 months of having unprotected vaginal intercourse, it is time to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. Click here to learn more.
