Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 24 Jul 2022
To most people Secondary Infertility is a new concept. It is difficult to grasp and believe in the idea that you can become infertile after your first labor. As a matter of fact, it is a true. 6 months or 1 year after giving birth to your first child, if you decide to have a second one, you should be able to. If you couldn’t conceive then, it is called Secondary Infertility.
If you have delivered your first baby, you’d probably take your time till your next one, depending on a number of factors. But usually, after having a first baby, most couples will be able to conceive within 1 or 2 months of trying. For others, it can a be a bit of a challenge. So, if you’ve been trying for more than 6 months to 1 year after your first labor, you should probably be consulting a doctor.
Increase in weight of either couple causing delayed ovulation, reduced sperm production, infection in tubal block, stress, rare sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction due to obesity, stress or diabetes are the main causes of secondary infertility.
Almost 80%, the same factors that cause primary infertility also causes secondary infertility. For women who are more than 35 years of age, the age itself is a risk factor and hence it is better to take professional medical advice if you’re trying for a second child and are not able to conceive.
Nothing to worry about. We need to run some tests in order to provide proper diagnosis and appropriate interventions. At least, basic investigations should be done to know about the health status of both the partners, both mental and physical. Tubal patency and sperm count will to be assessed for detailed investigation.
There are 90% chances for couples to conceive with initial and minimal interventions. But for some with PCOD, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction or tubal block, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) may be needed, depending on the severity.
Almost every month at our Centre, 20% of our treatments are done to help couples conceive with their second child through IUI or IVF. True, better late than never but it’s better not to be too late.
