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Secondary Infertility

Find answers and pregnancy success in the face of secondary infertility

Most men and women assume that they will have no problem having another child after giving birth to a healthy baby, which is why secondary infertility can be so devastating. The team at our Dallas fertility center wants hopeful parents to understand that secondary infertility isn’t the end of the road. Many fertility treatments can help men and women continue to grow their families.

What is secondary infertility?

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after previously giving birth. This can be a surprising diagnosis for hopeful parents who once had no problem becoming pregnant and welcoming a baby into their lives.

There is no single cause that is responsible for secondary infertility. Instead, any number of issues that can also cause primary infertility could be responsible.

  • Female infertility, including ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities and Fallopian tube damage
  • Complications caused by surgery or a prior pregnancy
  • Male infertility, including a low sperm count or poor sperm quality
  • Other factors, including age, weight, health conditions and certain medications

Seeking help for secondary infertility

The team at our Dallas fertility center recommends that patients seek help for secondary infertility if they have been unable to conceive after one year of having regular, unprotected sex. Patients who are 35 or older should make an appointment with a fertility doctor after six months of trying to conceive.

The treatments for secondary infertility vary depending on the cause. When patients visit one of our fertility doctors, he or she will likely recommend fertility testing for both the male and the female partner. After receiving the test results, the doctor will work with the patients to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses what’s causing their secondary infertility.

In some cases, fertility medications and timed intercourse may be enough to help hopeful parents find pregnancy success. Other patients may require intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or minimally invasive fertility surgery to bring home a baby.

Get support for secondary infertility

Some patients who are experiencing secondary infertility are reluctant to reach out for support. They often feel like other people don’t understand how difficult their situation is because they already have at least one child. As a result, they may feel they have to deal with the feelings of guilt, anger, isolation and depression alone.

The team at our Dallas fertility center is here to support both your physical and emotional health. We provide a compassionate and listening ear as well as information about resources such as support groups and counselors. You don’t have to navigate secondary infertility alone.

With diagnosis, treatment and support from our Dallas fertility center, you can overcome secondary infertility to continue growing your family. Contact us to schedule an appointment.