Secondary infertility is a condition where a couple is not able to become parents after successfully giving birth to a baby before. A secondary infertility is the same as other types of infertility and it shows the same symptoms as other infertilities. To consider as a secondary infertility, the earlier pregnancy should have taken place without considering any fertility treatments. There are several causes that can lead to secondary infertility.
If your age is less than 35 and if you have been trying to become pregnant for more than 6 months and didn’t get pregnant, it is essential to visit a doctor to understand the underlying causes.
What Causes Secondary Infertility in Women?
There are several causes for secondary infertility in women. The following are some of the causes:
- Quality and quantity of eggs: Women are born with a certain number of eggs and it is not possible to produce new eggs after birth. When women reach the age of 40, the number of eggs in their ovaries will be reduced. The leftover eggs may also have chromosomal problems. For some people, age may not be a factor, but there can be other factors for the absence of good quality eggs. The other factors include surgery, radiation therapy, or any genetic conditions.
- Problems with the uterus or fallopian tube: If there is any blockage in the fallopian tube due to pelvic infections, it is not possible for the sperm and eggs to meet. There can also be other conditions related to the uterus that can cause secondary infertility. Fibroids or polyps that grow inside the uterus can also affect pregnancy. Uterine scarring and infection can also be caused by a retained placenta.
- Endometriosis: It is a condition where the tissue that grows inside the uterus will grow in some other place in the body such as bowel surfaces or ovaries. Though Endometriosis is common, it cannot always lead to infertility.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome: It is a hormonal disorder that is caused due to irregular periods. This condition in women can increase the number of male hormones, and the ovaries will not be able to release eggs on a regular basis.
- Lifestyle changes and being overweight: Women who are overweight or gain weight, there can be problems of ovarian dysfunction. Not every woman with this condition will have problems with ovaries dysfunction.
- Breast feeding: Women who are fed only with breastfeeding while an infant, her body may not release eggs and ovulation might stop.
What Causes Secondary Infertility in Men?
The causes of secondary infertility in men include the following:
- Low levels of testosterone: In men, testosterone plays an important role for producing sperms. The levels of testosterone get decreased with age, any injury to urinary organs, or some medical conditions. Medical conditions that cause secondary infertility in male include:
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- Thyroid diseases
- Diabetes
- Genital infections
- Smallpox
- Blood infections or diseases
- Stroke, respiratory problems
- Genital tract surgery
- Heart failure
- Testicular varicocele: Testicular varicocele causes enlargement of scrotum veins. This can be caused due to production of less sperm and infertility.
- Low quality semen: The sperms are carried by a fluid called semen. As men become older, the quality of semen gets reduced and it can affect fertility.
- Prostate removal: In case of cancer or any other medical conditions, the prostate may be removed. When the prostate is removed, the semen might flow backward and this can affect fertility in men.
- Prostate removal: It is a medical condition that reduces the secretion of hormones in men, which can lead to infertility in men.
- Use of drugs: Use of certain drugs such as antibiotics or other medicines that treat high blood pressure can affect the quality and quantity of sperms. The quality of sperms also get affected with enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, stomach acid, urinary tract infections, ulcerative colitis, and fungal infections.
- Exposure to chemicals: When men are exposed to chemicals such as lead, pesticides, industrial chemicals, or excessive heat, male fertility gets affected.
- Weight gain: Excessive weight gain in men can cause low levels of testosterone and estrogen.
Treatment for Secondary Infertility
To treat secondary infertility, your doctor would first determine its cause. The doctor will conduct tests such as a pelvic exam, blood tests, ovulation test, ultrasound of vagina, other tests or scans to see the cervix and uterus.
If the test results are negative, the doctor will perform other tests to determine if there is male infertility. After identifying the cause, the doctor will determine a treatment plan which includes medications for enhancing fertility, and for normalising hormones. Surgery, and other reproductive methods such as IVF and IUI.
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If you are unable to get a second pregnancy, even after trying for more than a year, Angels Fertility is your right stop! Angels Fertility is one of the best fertility center in Hyderabad and it offers numerous fertility treatments. Our doctors will carefully evaluate your condition and will develop a personalised treatment plan. To know more about Angels Fertility, call us.