Coping with Secondary Infertility

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive after having one or more successful pregnancies. Over 20% of all couples that look forward to numerous children in their family find themselves unable to have more than one child. From a couple's point of view, this does not make any sense and jumping to conclusions and stress related situations begin to occur.

Causes of Secondary Infertility

Age is the number one reason for secondary infertility. A couple may wait to begin a family after they have reached financial security in their lives. They had no problem with their first child and want to have another within a couple of years. Unfortunately, when a female reaches the age of 35, the female's eggs begin to lose their quality and the amount available to be fertilized.

In men, while age doesn't normally affect the ability to produce sperm, chronic illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure can. Not only can the sperm count lessen but the structure and quality can also decrease. Secondary infertility is seen quite often in middle-aged men that are treated with medication for a number of illnesses brought about by aging.

A polycystic ovary is a common medical condition that women are diagnosed with in discovering secondary infertility. Above average weight gain during the first pregnancy can interfere with regular ovulation if a fitness program is not started after delivery to get back down to your regular weight. An imbalance of hormones also contributes to having secondary infertility.

Sometimes there are no straightforward answers as to what causes secondary infertility. Being the reasonable humans that we are, we assume that our partner does not want any more children and this just is not fair to your spouse. Try not to assume that everything is okay and it is your partner's fault. Perhaps the stress of having your first child is playing a part in secondary infertility. You can be under a great deal of stress just from being a new parent and your body may just be reacting naturally.

Seeking Professional Help

Friends and family may not understand that you are suffering with secondary infertility and do not have much compassion because you already have a beautiful child. Speaking with someone who has experienced similar secondary infertility can sometimes help in dealing with a situation that has totally caught you off guard.

In the meantime, keep as healthy and fit as possible and discuss your concern with secondary infertility with your physician. You or your mate may have an underlying problem that neither of you are aware of. If everything is fine, relax and allow yourself some time before throwing in the towel. Your body will let you know when the time is right.