What Leads to Secondary Infertility? Causes and Symptoms Explained
- AMALSHA S
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Have you ever heard of secondary infertility? Yes, while this term is very common, not everyone is familiar with what it means.
Secondary infertility is when a woman cannot conceive or finds it difficult to get pregnant or continue a pregnancy after giving birth in the past.
It isn't a surprising condition, as around 10% of couples are affected by the same. Secondary infertility is widespread and involves several causes that can affect male, female or sometimes both partners.
Here's all you need to know about secondary infertility, its causes, symptoms and more.
What is Secondary Infertility and Its Causes?
A couple may have had a pregnancy or successful childbirth before, but their inability to conceive anymore is called secondary infertility. Unlike first or primary infertility, secondary infertility can be unfamiliar or frustrating because the couple already had a history of success earlier.
However, the condition isn't uncommon, and there are several reasons leading to the same. In females, it often arises with blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and ovulation disorders.
Some may also suffer secondary infertility due to pelvic infection and untreated STDs that can cause scarring or reduced fertility.
Whereas in males, the condition can arise due to poor sperm motility, low sperm count, or sometimes structural problems in the testicles.
Diabetes, thyroid, or similar chronic illnesses can also impact fertility in both males and females. Additionally, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a bad diet, obesity, and high stress levels can impact reproductive health.
Exposure to certain medications or environmental toxins also reduces the chances of fertility.
Do Men and Women Face Secondary Infertility Differently?
Men and women both experience secondary infertility, but differently. After a successful conception or childbirth, individuals go through health or lifestyle changes.
Apart from the common causes discussed above, secondary infertility in women may develop due to PCOS or ovarian insufficiency after their first pregnancy. If you’ve had surgery or an injury in the pelvic area, it can sometimes make conceiving harder.
In men, secondary infertility can also stem from varicocele, hormonal shifts, and weight gain. If the testicles have been injured, it can sometimes make fathering a child more difficult.
Secondary infertility is also unique because no one expects it after the primary successful conception.
What are the Symptoms of Secondary Infertility - In Men and Women
If a couple is unable to conceive after six months to a year of unprotected sex (after their first pregnancy), it may be a sign of secondary infertility.The signs of infertility can appear differently in men and women.
In Women:
Missing periods or having irregular cycles often means your ovulation isn’t happening regularly.
Painful periods or pain in the pelvic region often suggest endometriosis or fibroids.
Infections or vaginal discharge (more than usual).
If pregnancy ends repeatedly or can’t be carried to full term, it may signal an issue.
If you notice sudden weight changes, more hair loss, or acne, it could be due to PCOS, thyroid problems, or other hormone issues.
In Men:
Men often show fever symptoms such as:
Difficult in getting and maintaining an erection.
Low libido or less interest in sexual function.
Pain in one or both testicles along with swelling.
Reduced facial or body hair as a result of hormonal changes.
Weight gain or fatigue due to chronic illness or testosterone imbalance.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Secondary infertility
If you’re finding it harder to conceive again, don’t ignore it or assume it’ll happen on its own.
Secondary infertility is common; and the good news is, it’s treatable in most cases once the cause is identified.
A fertility expert usually starts with a fertility evaluation for both partners. For women, this involves:
Hormone tests
Pelvic ultrasound
Uterus and fallopian tubes imaging
For men:
A semen analysis (to know the number, shape and movement of sperm).
After knowing the reproductive issues, your fertility expert at Bliss fertility will tailor a treatment specific to the situation.
Women dealing with ovulation issues can find assistance with medications that help release eggs regularly.
The doctors at Bliss Fertility may advise minor surgical procedures for those with blocked tubes or uterine scarring.
For men, treatment of secondary infertility typically involves medications and surgery for a varicocele. Doctors also suggest medicine, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to improve sperm health.
When natural methods don’t work, assisted options such as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) can help increase your chances of pregnancy.
What is important here is not to wait for too long, as fertility changes with time. Consider early testing and open communication with your doctor at Bliss Fertility so the right treatment can push you closer to growing your family again.
Can You Prevent Secondary Infertility?
You can’t always prevent secondary infertility, but you can lower your risk with a few mindful steps. Wondering how?
Keep track of your menstrual cycle and get checked if it becomes irregular.
Make sure your weight is in check and you are consuming balanced meals.
Let your doctor know about previous pregnancy complications.
Men must exercise regularly. As well as, avoid heat or toxins around the groin area – it helps in protecting sperm health.
Lastly, don’t delay seeking help. Early checkup gives you the best chance of addressing issues before they become harder to treat.
Conclusion
Overall, it is normal to feel worried about pregnancy, but remember, secondary infertility doesn't define your future. It is a challenge, but you can overcome it with the right approach.
If your hopes of becoming parents for the second time are diminishing due to secondary infertility, consult the fertility experts at Bliss Fertility in Kerala. Our team of specialists will approach your concerns with the best possible medical care. Call Now
+91 62 62 62 32 62 (Kottayam & Maldives)
+91 88 22 55 66 33 (Tirur)
+91 99 47 70 00 06 (Trivandrum)