What to ask the doctor about secondary infertility – Complete question guide
Secondary infertility is the difficulty a couple has in conceiving or completing a pregnancy, even though they have already had a child in the past without the help of fertility treatments. Although it often takes couples by surprise, it is a very common form of infertility , accounting for approximately 50% of all cases .
Causes of secondary infertility
Many factors can contribute to the occurrence of secondary infertility. The most common are:
- Age and declining fertility
- Female fertility naturally declines over the years, especially after age 35.
- The quality and quantity of eggs are significantly affected.
- Accordingly, sperm quality can decrease with age or due to bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc.).
- Gynecological diseases
Conditions that may appear or worsen over time:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Complications from a previous pregnancy or surgery
- Untreated sexually transmitted diseases
- Lifestyle factors
- Weight gain or loss
- Stress
- Changes in diet or habits
- Lack of exercise
It is worth noting that in a percentage of couples, no specific cause is identified , making the diagnostic process more emotionally demanding.
When should you visit a fertility specialist?
If you are trying to get pregnant for:
- 6 months (if you are over 35)
- 12 months (if you are under 35)
it is important to consult a specialist.
Early evaluation significantly increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
What to discuss with your gynecologist
It is crucial to inform your doctor about your desire to have a second child and not to rely solely on previous pregnancy experience. Prevention and proper guidance make the difference.
Useful tips
- Clearly express your desire for another pregnancy.
- Don’t rest easy because your first pregnancy was easy.
- Request early fertility screening.
Questions to ask your doctor about secondary infertility
- What are the possible causes of secondary infertility in our case? How can we investigate them?
- How does age affect my fertility and egg quality?
- What tests do you recommend to check the fallopian tubes, ovarian reserves, and sperm quality?
- What lifestyle changes could increase the chances of conception?
- When is it right to consider fertility treatment if we have no success at home?
