When fertility problems occur, many people seek out infertility treatments. However, this isn’t always the case for secondary infertility; people who have already had children will often forgo getting help to grow their family. Use this guide to learn more about this normal condition and how to overcome it.

What Is Secondary Infertility?

Having a successful pregnancy once or twice is no guarantee that it will happen an additional time. Secondary infertility refers to the condition of those who have successfully conceived in the past but are now unable to do so. It affects approximately three million women in the United States.

Why Does Secondary Infertility Happen?

In many instances, the same conditions that cause primary infertility also cause secondary infertility, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, uterine fibroids, low sperm count, and ejaculatory problems.

Uterine scarring from a previous cesarean delivery, a Fallopian tube or ovary abscess caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, autoimmune disorders, age, and obesity can also lead to secondary infertility. 

All too often, these conditions are overlooked in second infertility cases because the patient conceived without any difficulty in the past. This leads them to believe they will conceive again, so they don’t seek out infertility treatment soon enough to be effective. 

What Are Some Possible Solutions for Secondary Infertility?

Anyone unable to conceive for eight to 12 months should look into infertility treatment. If one or both partners are over the age of 35 or have a known medical condition, the visit should be scheduled much sooner.

Many times, when the problem is caught early enough, an effective treatment can be applied. For instance, PCOS is commonly treated with a combination of medications to normalize hormones and lifestyle changes to help the woman reach a healthy weight.

Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and uterine scarring have all been treated with minimally invasive procedures, like hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. Advanced reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, can be used to overcome health conditions. 

If you’re dealing with secondary infertility, the specialists at Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute are here to help. For 35 years, this fertility clinic has offered infertility treatments to families in Honolulu, HI, and around the world. Call them at (808) 946-2226 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about their services.