Secondary Infertility: A Unique Challenge For Parents
Karen Sullen
May 09, 2008
Once you´ve heard the patter of little feet in your home, most couples simply assume that they will have no problems having more children. However, new research shows that the ability to have your first child may not necessarily mean you are capable of producing more. In fact, nearly 25% of couples seeking treatment for infertility already have one child. According to the National Fertility Association, more than 3 million Americans are affected by secondary fertility, the inability to conceive a child or carry a child to term after previously delivering a child.
The reality is that, as fertility starts to decline in women beginning in their 20´s, it can be harder to get pregnant than people think. Advancing age, low sperm count, poor egg quality and endometriosis can all be factors resulting in secondary infertility. Sometimes scar tissue, infections and other complications from delivery can take its toll on the body, contributing to the inability to produce another child. Unfortunately, most couples don´t even realize that they may be suffering from this condition as they simply "keep trying" under the misguided that notion that past fertility ensures future fertility.
Secondary infertility can be emotionally stressful as well, as parents become overly frustrated and even guilty that they may not be able to provide a sibling for their other child. It may seem inexplicable to them, as they see no logical reason why they are not able to expand their family. One mother explains her angst this way: "I just don´t understand it. When I wasn´t married, I had no problem getting pregnant, and unfortunately had my son much too young with a partner who was abusive. Now that I am married and in a stable, loving relationship, I can´t seem to get pregnant even after years of trying. It just doesn´t make sense to me." She is not alone in her plight as many couples are searching for answers. Another source of stress stems from differing approaches couples deem necessary to resolve the situation. It can be difficult when each person is on different sides of the table–one thinking the situation will resolve itself in time and the other wanting to seek out professional help. The "blame game" is also played as one partner is quick to point the finger of blame on the other, not realizing that the problem may rest equally on both parties. Of course, all of these factors can also put additional stress in the bedroom, which is quite counterproductive for a couple seeking to get pregnant. Love-making can become a chore as couples either become distant or sex is scheduled strictly for procreation at peak ovulation times.
For couples who want to be proactive and do more than just "keep trying," fertility specialists advise that couples do not delay professional intervention. Experts suggest that, if you are younger than 35 years old, seek assistance after a year. However, if you are over 35, seek assistance after six months. Also, if you experience miscarriages, painful periods, vaginal discharge, painful ejaculations or decreased sex drive, make your appointment sooner, as these might be indications that other problems exist that can interfere with the process. As a couple, you may not agree with these time frames, but it is important to take into account your health and risk factors, and set a realistic deadline as to when you would seek help. No one wants to have "tried" for years without assistance and success only to look back in regret on all the time they could have been under the care of a knowledgeable fertility specialist.
If you find yourself caught between the joys of motherhood and the pains of infertility, there is hope. In addition to seeking professional help, there are ways to help boost your fertility.
1. Know your body. The ability to pinpoint the exact days that you are ovulating and most productive can provide crucial information. It allows you to target your procreation accordingly for the best chances of success.
2. Don´t sweat the small stuff. Try to remove as many of life´s little stressors as possible. Stress can interfere with the body´s normal flow and result in missed opportunities.
3. Kick the habit. If you are a smoker or drinker, your chances of conceiving are less likely than that of a non-smoker or non-drinker. The possibility of a new baby is a good reason to quit.
4. Maximize your fertility window. Studies show that an increase in iron, zinc, protein and vitamin C can also increase your fertility, in both men and women. Of course, having sex as frequently as possible during this time also maximizes your window of opportunity. Doctors suggest having sex at least every 36-48 hours.
5. Build Healthy Hormones. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by fatigue as well as being too thin or too heavy. Get to the appropriate weight for your height and body type, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
This article was brought to you by CornerStorkBabyGifts.com, an online retail company specializing in boutique-quality baby gifts and baby shower favors. We are also dedicated to providing informative articles on pregnancy and prenatal health, infant and baby health, infant and baby safety, parenting skills and strategies, child abuse and other topics of interest to mothers- and fathers-to-be, parents and the public.
The reality is that, as fertility starts to decline in women beginning in their 20´s, it can be harder to get pregnant than people think. Advancing age, low sperm count, poor egg quality and endometriosis can all be factors resulting in secondary infertility. Sometimes scar tissue, infections and other complications from delivery can take its toll on the body, contributing to the inability to produce another child. Unfortunately, most couples don´t even realize that they may be suffering from this condition as they simply "keep trying" under the misguided that notion that past fertility ensures future fertility.
Secondary infertility can be emotionally stressful as well, as parents become overly frustrated and even guilty that they may not be able to provide a sibling for their other child. It may seem inexplicable to them, as they see no logical reason why they are not able to expand their family. One mother explains her angst this way: "I just don´t understand it. When I wasn´t married, I had no problem getting pregnant, and unfortunately had my son much too young with a partner who was abusive. Now that I am married and in a stable, loving relationship, I can´t seem to get pregnant even after years of trying. It just doesn´t make sense to me." She is not alone in her plight as many couples are searching for answers. Another source of stress stems from differing approaches couples deem necessary to resolve the situation. It can be difficult when each person is on different sides of the table–one thinking the situation will resolve itself in time and the other wanting to seek out professional help. The "blame game" is also played as one partner is quick to point the finger of blame on the other, not realizing that the problem may rest equally on both parties. Of course, all of these factors can also put additional stress in the bedroom, which is quite counterproductive for a couple seeking to get pregnant. Love-making can become a chore as couples either become distant or sex is scheduled strictly for procreation at peak ovulation times.
For couples who want to be proactive and do more than just "keep trying," fertility specialists advise that couples do not delay professional intervention. Experts suggest that, if you are younger than 35 years old, seek assistance after a year. However, if you are over 35, seek assistance after six months. Also, if you experience miscarriages, painful periods, vaginal discharge, painful ejaculations or decreased sex drive, make your appointment sooner, as these might be indications that other problems exist that can interfere with the process. As a couple, you may not agree with these time frames, but it is important to take into account your health and risk factors, and set a realistic deadline as to when you would seek help. No one wants to have "tried" for years without assistance and success only to look back in regret on all the time they could have been under the care of a knowledgeable fertility specialist.
If you find yourself caught between the joys of motherhood and the pains of infertility, there is hope. In addition to seeking professional help, there are ways to help boost your fertility.
1. Know your body. The ability to pinpoint the exact days that you are ovulating and most productive can provide crucial information. It allows you to target your procreation accordingly for the best chances of success.
2. Don´t sweat the small stuff. Try to remove as many of life´s little stressors as possible. Stress can interfere with the body´s normal flow and result in missed opportunities.
3. Kick the habit. If you are a smoker or drinker, your chances of conceiving are less likely than that of a non-smoker or non-drinker. The possibility of a new baby is a good reason to quit.
4. Maximize your fertility window. Studies show that an increase in iron, zinc, protein and vitamin C can also increase your fertility, in both men and women. Of course, having sex as frequently as possible during this time also maximizes your window of opportunity. Doctors suggest having sex at least every 36-48 hours.
5. Build Healthy Hormones. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by fatigue as well as being too thin or too heavy. Get to the appropriate weight for your height and body type, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
This article was brought to you by CornerStorkBabyGifts.com, an online retail company specializing in boutique-quality baby gifts and baby shower favors. We are also dedicated to providing informative articles on pregnancy and prenatal health, infant and baby health, infant and baby safety, parenting skills and strategies, child abuse and other topics of interest to mothers- and fathers-to-be, parents and the public.
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