Continuing to Grow Your Family: Treatment for Secondary Infertility
Many people believe that if you have already had a child, you should have no problems having a second (or third) child. Unfortunately, many couples do struggle with secondary infertility, or an inability to have a second child. Secondary infertility accounts for as much as 30 percent of all instances of infertility. Our doctors offer infertility services to provide couples with treatment for secondary infertility at The Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles, CA. We can help you to continue building the family you have always wanted.
Struggling to Get Pregnant Again
Couples who have already had one or more children may later struggle to conceive or to carry a pregnancy to term. This is known as secondary infertility. It affects couples that successfully had one or more children previously without the need for fertility treatments and medications.
Not only do many couples struggle with an inability to continue growing their family, but they often find it more difficult to reach out for help. A vast majority of the population does not fully understand secondary infertility. On top of that, many people may think couples should be content with the child(ren) they already have. Fortunately, for couples that choose to reach out, treatment options are available.
Understanding the Causes of Secondary Infertility
There are a number of different factors that can play a role in secondary infertility. One of the most common causes is the mother’s age. Some couples want to have more than just a couple years between each child, while others may decide later they want another child. Many women have their first child in their mid- to late-20s. Waiting several years can mean the woman is now in her mid- to late-30s. Because both the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs decrease over time, this can increase the risk of miscarriages and an inability to conceive.
Other factors that may cause secondary infertility include:
- Reproductive complications, such as endometriosis or even abdominal surgeries resulting in scar tissue
- Changes in sperm quantity and quality, due to medical conditions or medications
- Weight gain, tobacco use, and other lifestyle choices
Treatment for Secondary Infertility
There are several different treatment options available. The type of treatment our doctors recommend will depend on a couple of different factors, including:
- Whether the mother is under or over age 35 and if she has had recurrent miscarriages within the past year
- The count and quality of the father’s sperm
We may recommend fertility medications alone, or in combination with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women with reproductive complications are the most likely candidates for IVF, as it allows us to bypass the fallopian tubes and other common problem areas. It is also useful when fertility is affected by sperm count or quality. Egg donation is also an option.
Meet with One of Our Fertility Experts Today
If you have struggled to give your child another sibling, you may suffer from secondary infertility. Contact our fertility center today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss treatment options.