Unlocking the mystery: Why am I struggling to conceive baby no 2?
Secondary infertility: What you can do if you are struggling to conceive.
Secondary Infertility: Why does it happen?
Today I’m diving into the topic that's close to the hearts of many hopeful parents – secondary infertility. While primary infertility receives considerable attention, the struggles of those trying to conceive a second (or subsequent) child often remain unspoken. If you find yourself facing challenges in growing your family, rest assured that you're not alone. In this post, I’ll shed light on the concept of secondary infertility and why you might have trouble getting pregnant again, its causes, and ways to cope with this emotional journey.
What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility refers to the difficulty of conceiving a second child after successfully giving birth to one or more children in the past. Couples who experienced no problems while conceiving their first child may be caught off guard when faced with unanticipated struggles during their attempts to expand their family further. It's essential to remember that secondary infertility is a distinct and valid concern that deserves acknowledgment and support.
Possible Causes of Secondary Infertility:
Age-Related Factors: Just like with primary infertility, age can play a significant role in secondary infertility. As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs may diminish, making conception more challenging.
Changes in Health: Health conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), damaged or blocked fallopian tubes or uterine issues can develop after childbirth and contribute to secondary infertility.
Male Factor Infertility: While the focus is often on women's fertility, male factor infertility can also contribute to difficulties in conceiving a second child. Did you know that almost half of all fertility issues are now male factor related? You can read more about this topic on my feature with the The Mirror on sperm health.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes resulting from factors like stress, weight fluctuations, or certain medications can affect fertility.
Scar Tissue or Adhesions: Previous surgeries, such as c-sections or other abdominal procedures, can lead to scar tissue formation that impacts fertility.
Coping with Secondary Infertility:
Seek Support: Remember, you don't have to go through this journey alone. Reach out to support groups. I have created a private Facebook group for women who are on a similar journey to yourself. It’s a safe space to talk about any fertility related topics where I offer advice and it's an opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. You can join the group here.
Communicate Openly: Share your feelings and concerns with your partner. Being open and honest about your emotions can strengthen your bond and provide much-needed comfort.
Professional Guidance: If you have spoken to your doctor and fertility clinic and still feel you have unanswered questions this is where nutritional therapy can help. As a fertility nutritionist I take a holistic approach to fertility. Having a baby is whole body event and we need to look at not only your diet and lifestyle but also further diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of your fertility struggles.
Focus on Well-being: Take care of your physical and emotional health. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
Be Patient: Understand that the path to conception might be longer and more challenging, but with patience and perseverance, your dream of expanding your family can come true.
Secondary infertility can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Don't hesitate to seek support, both from your loved ones and fertility specialists. As you navigate through this challenging time, communicate openly with your partner, and prioritise your overall well-being. Remember, every family-building journey is unique, and with love and determination, the dream of welcoming a new addition to your family can become a reality. You're not alone, and together, we can conquer the challenges of secondary infertility.
Hi, I’m Raquel
I am a fertility nutritionist based in Manchester, covering the North West, Cheshire and further afield. I help couples and single women to optimise their fertility through diet and lifestyle to help them get pregnant.